As we are falling into the Autumn months, I am finding myself craving some of the fall and winter foods that I grew up on in the cold Chicago winters. Daily servings of sweet potatoes, winter squashes, and warming soups were always part of my diet as were enormous bowls of oatmeal. Having given up grains and eggs completely this past year, I occasionally have a hard time figuring out what to have either for breakfast or a post workout meal.
It's important to refuel our bodies after an intense workout with the proper nutrition. Not refueling can challenge not only your performance, but your immune and digestive systems as well. I don't pay particular attention to the exact macronutrients I consume after a workout, only to make sure that I'm getting a little bit of everything to help with muscle repair, cleansing, and of course, hunger. I find that sweet potatoes are the perfect food for reloading some glycogen after a long(er) run or training session. I always prefer to use a vegan protein powder as they are easier to digest. The coconut oil is loaded with MCTs (medium chain tryglycerides). MCTs get utilized for energy vs being stored for fat. So if on a lower carb higher fat diet, you will basically be using the fats for energy vs storage. BONUS!! Also coconut oil is so medicinal on so many levels, so it should be consumed whether in a smoothie or in other meal preparations
Although I prefer food in it's natural form, sometimes a smoothie can be easier to digest for those with a challenged digestive system. They are cleansing and don't have to go through the rigorous digestive process since they are broken down via Mr. Blender. So I don't do smoothies every day or even very often. But it's convenient and it changes things up a bit.
You can add some greens or green powder to the mix as well or change out the sweet potato for some pumpkin; but I have to say, the flavor by itself was just perfect for me.
It's important to refuel our bodies after an intense workout with the proper nutrition. Not refueling can challenge not only your performance, but your immune and digestive systems as well. I don't pay particular attention to the exact macronutrients I consume after a workout, only to make sure that I'm getting a little bit of everything to help with muscle repair, cleansing, and of course, hunger. I find that sweet potatoes are the perfect food for reloading some glycogen after a long(er) run or training session. I always prefer to use a vegan protein powder as they are easier to digest. The coconut oil is loaded with MCTs (medium chain tryglycerides). MCTs get utilized for energy vs being stored for fat. So if on a lower carb higher fat diet, you will basically be using the fats for energy vs storage. BONUS!! Also coconut oil is so medicinal on so many levels, so it should be consumed whether in a smoothie or in other meal preparations
Although I prefer food in it's natural form, sometimes a smoothie can be easier to digest for those with a challenged digestive system. They are cleansing and don't have to go through the rigorous digestive process since they are broken down via Mr. Blender. So I don't do smoothies every day or even very often. But it's convenient and it changes things up a bit.
You can add some greens or green powder to the mix as well or change out the sweet potato for some pumpkin; but I have to say, the flavor by itself was just perfect for me.
- 1 C Unsweetened Coconut Milk
- 1 Scoop SunWarrior Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato with skin
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- cinnamon/ginger/stevia to taste
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional) **
- 6-8 ice cubes
**xanthan gum is optional, but it prevents chips of coconut oil
ice from forming due to the coldness of the shake