Post-Workout Recovery Smoothie By Josh

(image borrowed from ohsheglows.com)

1 ripe frozen banana

2 dates, pitted & soaked

½ cup unsweetened almond milk

1tbsp whole coconut milk

1 tbsp chia seeds

1tbsp raw almond butter

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Dash of cinnamon (omit if you’re feeling overheated)

3 or more ice cubes (depending on desired frosty-ness)

This is something I created out of necessity as I do with many of my raw food concoctions.  I wanted a cooling, hydrating, quick-and-easy pick me up I could have in the morning after my workouts.  This smoothie is incredibly functional:

Banana—Very cooling, replenishes with potassium and natural sugars.

Dates—Replenishes with potassium and natural sugars.

Chia Seeds—Combined with the liquid, they are hydrating.  They also provide Omega 3s.

Raw Almond Butter—Natural protein for muscle recovery and healthy fats.

Coconut Milk—Very cooling, with healthy fats.

In terms of the apple cider vinegar, don’t worry—you can’t taste it.  It’s just a little trick to round out all the sweetness in the smoothie.

The night before, chop up one large, very ripe banana.  Seal in a Ziploc bag and place in the freezer.

When you wake up in the morning, start soaking the dates.

Immediately after completing your workout, get to work.  It’s important to make this smoothie as soon as possible after your workout, to reap its full benefits.

Put chia seeds in a cup, and pour in almond milk and coconut milk.  Stir and stick in the fridge for 10 minutes.  This way, the chia seeds soak up the liquid, and will help thicken the smoothie when blended.

Once the chia seeds have plumped up into a “gel,” combine with all ingredients in blender.  If you have a weaker blender, start with the ice, then the banana, then the remaining ingredients.  Blend forever… or until very well blended.