Prior to becoming a personal trainer, I thought consuming post-workout smoothies were for body builders. Always trying to lose the last 5 lbs, I didn’t get why I would drink back the calories that I just burned during my workout. After finally losing those stubborn pounds, I am adamant about my recovery shakes.
Those push ups in Barre class are not going to get easier if you do not properly feed your muscles afterwards! The abdominal definition isn’t going to pop either. If you are on the quest to lose a few extra pounds with fitness, plan your snacks or meals around your workouts. Cut calorie corners when you can to avoid consuming too much and negating your efforts. Many of us over-estimate how many calories we burn during and after a workout. This leads to people feeling like they deserve high calorie foods after leaving the gym. This is not how you lose the last 5!
The Long and Lean smoothie recipe is my go to snack and perfect for after your favorite workout. Your body will reward you with long and lean muscles if you train right. It combines clean ingredients like kale, cucumber and banana for vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. No post workout shake is complete with protein powder. I use vegan protein powder for helping rebuild my muscles so that they look leaner but burn more calories throughout the day. To keep my shakes under 200 calories I use almond milk. By switching from skim milk, you will save over 55 calories. Silk Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla helps make this recipe taste creamy and satisfying.
The Long & Lean Smoothie (Make 1 serving, Prep Time: <5 minutes)
- 1 cup or large handful of fresh green kale
- 4 inches of cucumber (seedless unpeeled but peeled if there are seeds)
- ½ frozen banana (about 2-4 inches long)
- 2 tablespoons (or one scoop) vegan vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup of Pure Almond Unsweetened Vanilla
- 3 ice cubes
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Mix until smoothie is well blended and the same consistency throughout. Enjoy after your favorite workout or as mid-day pick me up!
By using Silk Unsweetened Pure Almond instead of skim milk, you save 56 calories! 
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 191.7
Total Fat: 3.9 g
Saturated Fat: .4 g
Poly Fat: .7 g
Mono Fat: 1.6 g
Sodium: 271.6 g
Potassium: 516.8 mg
Total Carbs: 23.7 g
Fiber: 5.6 g
Sugars: 9.6
Protein 18.2 g
This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Silk and Fitfluential, LLC. All opinions expressed are my own. Learn more about Silk PureAlmond Unsweetened on Facebook and Twitter!
