One of the things that my clients struggle with the most is what to eat or drink after their workouts. Green Smoothies work great, but it depends on when you are working out. This combination is my favourite recovery elixir.
I do a lot of cycling and love to drink it after rigorous bike rides, most of which happen in the evening. I don’t like eating in the evening. In general eating in the evening is not good for anyone, and this so true for me. If I eat too late, it really affects my sleep.
But after a long or hard bike ride, I know that I need to repair and replenish for optimum recovery. This elixir is light enough that I can have it in the evening (usually I wouldn’t drink it past 8:30 pm or so) but powerful enough that I am not sore the next day. I know that it works because I never wake up the next day hungry. My body is getting what it needs. And, I sleep like a baby.
So what is in this powerful elixir?
Water!
• I load this one up with pure hydrating water. Water is the most important part of any recovery drink.
Hemp Seeds
• Hemp seeds are really big bang for your buck. They contain easy-to-digest protein for repair, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, cleansing fibre and chlorophyll. Wow!
Goji Berries
• Add a mild sweetness to this drink, adding in important post-workout carbohydrates. They also contain easy-to-digest protein, (yes goji berries are a complete protein) as well as anti-oxidants and loads of vitamins and minerals.
Spirulina
• Contains easy-to-digest protein, (spirulina is 60% protein!) anti-oxidants as well as loads of vitamins (B vitamins and more) and minerals (iron and more).
Kelp or Dulse
• Sea vegetables like kelp and dulse are loaded in minerals including trace minerals that replace electrolytes lost in sweat.
Turmeric
• Adds a powerful anti-oxidant punch.
Cinnamon
• Loaded in minerals, and a great blood sugar balancer, I use it here merely to make this drink taste yummy. Spirulina and cinnamon go wonderfully together.
Bee Pollen, Optional
• Another source of easily digestible protein and B-vitamins and other bee goodness. Note, I only add bee pollen if I am making this early in the day. Bee pollen can be a bit stimulating so it would not go in my late night elixir.
Sweeten with liquid vanilla stevia or a few dates
• You may choose to sweeten this drink with a few dates which will add more carbohydrates to replenish lost glycogen stores (glucose in your muscles=glycogen=muscle energy). I find it perfect with a few drops of liquid vanilla stevia. Dates are a good way to sweeten without overpowering and they are loaded with vitamins and minerals for more of an anti-oxidant punch.
If you try this elixir, be sure to tell me how you like it. Leave a comment in the box below.
- 2 cups+ pure water
- 1½ to 2 tbsp Hemp seeds
- 1½ to 2 tbsp Goji Berries (if NOT using a high-speed blender, reconstitute in water for 30 min. first)
- ½ tbsp Spirulina
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- Pinch Dulse or Kelp
- ½ to 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Bee Pollen, optional
- 3 to 5 drops or more liquid vanilla stevia or a few dates to sweeten, if necessary
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until smooth, approximately 20 seconds.
- If you are NOT using a high-speed blender, blend a bit longer and strain if necessary.
- If not drinking right away, add to a mason jar along with a few ice cubes to keep it cool.
- Enjoy this healing, nourishing elixir!