You just finished your workout at the gym and are feeling good and energized, but before you jump on to the next item on your to-do list, don’t forget: Internally, your body keeps working even after you have showered up. This is when your body needs replenished energy and if you don’t reload on some calories, your body will break down your muscle tissue to replenish itself, which will counter all your hard work. Don’t fret! A simple solution is to treat yourself to delicious post-workout shakes.
A shake is easy to prepare and better yet, our bodies break down and absorb the energy quicker from liquid meals as compared to solid food. To keep your blood sugar levels from plummeting, post-workout shakes should be consumed within 30 minutes of ending your workout. The most effective blend will include the right quantities of macronutrients. Protein, protein, protein! We can’t stress it enough! This is the most important macronutrient to rebuild your muscles.
The best method is a balanced approach, so remember you also need carbohydrates. It’s true that carbs are scary for a lot of people these days, but they are essential for your diet. Exercising will deplete your body’s glycogen levels and carbs are the quickest way to restore glycogen in your muscles. Without any carbs in your post-workout shakes, your body may break down muscle protein for its energy needs. Here are some blends that will delight your taste buds (and give you the energy you need):
Vanilla-Almond
1/2 cup Vanilla-Almond Milk (Unsweetened)
5 ice cubes
1/2 cup Frozen Organic Spinach
3 Tbsp Almonds
½ tsp Pure Organic Honey
½ scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
Minty Chocolate
1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
½ cup Water
1/8 cup Frozen Organic Spinach
1 cup ice
5 to 6 drops Mint Extract
½ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
Chocolate Banana
½ a scoop Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
¼ cup Plain Uncooked Oatmeal
1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
5 ice cubes
1 tsp Pure Organic Honey
½ a cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
½ Banana
Vanilla Spices
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
1 5- to 6-ounce cup Organic Greek Yogurt
1 cup Organic Skim Milk
1/2 tsp Ginger
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 dash Ground Cloves
1 cup ice
As far as the instructions for making the shakes are concerned, the process is simple. Just toss the ingredients in the blender and whir away until the mixture is smooth. Enjoy!
