Pre-workout smoothie to boost your energy

You have probably seen recipes for pre-workout smoothies and are probably wondering how to go about choosing the right recipe for you. A pre-workout smoothie is an effective and tasty way to fuel your body with the proper nutrients it needs before exercising, though it is important to first consider what type of training you will be doing. Strength training and cardio workouts burn through energy and calories differently, so incorporating different ingredients into your pre-workout smoothie recipe can help to ensure you fuel your body properly.

Let’s go on to learn a pre-workout smoothie recipe for both before strength training as well as for before a cardio workout.

Before strength training

Carbohydrates primarily fuel your muscles, so it is important to incorporate foods that will provide your system with carbs for a quick energy boost for your workout. It is also important to include protein in your smoothie to aid in the muscle building and recovery stages. So for your energy-boosting smoothie, aim for a carb-heavy smoothie with added protein.

Have your smoothie 30-60 minutes before a workout so your body has the proper time to digest the smoothie and give you that energy boost.

Here are some ingredients you can include for a healthy pre-workout smoothie:

• Protein powder
• High Glycemic Index Fruit
• Milk or Milk Alternative
• Nut butter
• Seeds (flax seed, hemp seed, etc.)
• Yogurt
• Oats

Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Smoothie

• 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
• 2 tbsp Almond Butter
• ½ frozen Banana
• ½ cup Almond Milk (or other Milk, Milk Alternative)
• 1 handful Spinach
• ½ cup Ice Cubes

Before cardio

When you do a cardio workout, it is important to fuel your body with carbs so that it has access to quick energy. If you overload it with protein or fat, then your digestive system will be focusing on breaking down those foods rather enabling your body to focus on fueling your cardiovascular system and cardio workout.

Ingredients for an easy pre-workout smoothie:

• High Glycemic Index fruit
• Low Glycemic Index fruit
• Milk or Milk Alternative

Easy pre-workout smoothie for your cardio workout:

Berry Smoothie

• 1.5 Cups Water or Almond Milk
• 1 Frozen Banana
• 1 cup Frozen Berries
• 1 tbsp. Flaxseed

Remember to keep your portion size balanced so that you don’t end up exercising on too full of a stomach. You want to tune into your body before each workout and adjust portion and ingredient ratios accordingly so that you set yourself up for a nutrient-supported workout.