MY GO-TO POST WORKOUT BOWL
A creamy protein bowl...
Since we're nearing the end of January and aiming to stay on top of freshly made New Year resolutions, I had to share with you one of my all time favorite post-workout meals as a little inspiration to keep fit and enjoy doing it.
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know I'm food crazed. It's basically all I post in my stories! Luckily, I like to think I'm a (mostly) healthy eating vegan, so I eat wholesome foods that also taste delicious. One of those things is my post-workout smoothie bowl. It's essentially the reason I have motivation to wake up early and hit the gym. It gives me long lasting energy and helps build muscle and aid in recovery.
I opt for a banana base, blended with strawberries and blueberries, as I find it's my favorite combination - the banana is creamy and sweet, while the berries add tartness and vibrant color. After the fruit is well blended, I stir in protein powder. My current favorite is the Garden of Life Raw Vanilla, but I equally love Vega Protein & Greens Vanilla. As for the toppings, they're endless! Personally, my favorite way to top a smoothie bowl is by adding a luscious drizzle of Crazy Richard's peanut butter and Purely Elizabeth's granola. The granola has a salty-sweet crunch, sweetened with coconut sugar and has no added 'bad' ingredients. The peanut butter only has one ingredient - peanuts. And it drizzles like a charm. I love it. Other topping suggestions are coconut flakes, goji berries, hemp seeds, raw cacao nibs, etc. Get fancy with it!
This recipe is one I came up with on a whim, and I'm obsessed with it. I never get tired of eating the same smoothie bowl, in fact, I crave it after a workout. It's super easy to make and a more fun, creative take on the basic shake.
The method
In a NutriBullet, blend together:
1/4 cup frozen halfed strawberries
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1 room temperature bananas *(add the banana last. To ensure super quick blending, it's super important to a) make sure the banana is not frozen and b) to add the banana after adding the berries!)*
1/8 cup of almond milk (you only need a dash!)
* * *
Blend until all the fruit is mixed together; this should only take a few seconds. Scrape the fruit mixture into a bowl, then add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to each bowl, and mix well with a spoon until totally combined. Top with your desired toppings.
I will say that not freezing bananas has made my life a million times easier. I found that adding bananas as is helps the mixture blend in only a few seconds, opposed to having to scrape the sides of the NutriBullet down countless times and work with the mixture for a super long time. (All the time consuming stuff that puts a damper in your morning routine!)
Now it's time to set your alarm for the gym in the morning and come home to a soothing, protein packed bowl of plant-based nutrition. It's the best way to get through the January gym blues.
What is your favorite pre or post workout nutrition?
