Smooth operator … smooth operator.
Thanks Mum for the everlasting memory of Sade belting out the – unfortunately catchy – lyrics in my head the moment I begin to throw things into the blender for a smoothie.
For those of you who don’t know ‘Smooth Operator’ is a song by English band Sade from their debut album Diamond Life in 1984 – well before my time but as one of my public relations colleagues likes to tell me, “it’s womb music’.
But, enough about the singing and more about smoothies.
When it comes to snacks during the day, and pre-training (usually in the afternoon), I tend to go through phases and on the odd occasion lack inspiration. The most recent hunger busters have been a banana and a Nuzest Fruit & Veg Smoothie or a couple of tablespoons of yoghurt mixed with a banana and cinnamon.
So, when my partner and I finally moved into our new house (a long story for another time) I was able to break open my Nutri Bullet I won a few years ago from a Clean Paleo Instagram competition and get creative!
I know it is common sense but smoothies (usually, if you steer clear of the decadence) not only provide you with essential vitamins and minerals but are an easy way to nourish your body with nutrients.
Plus, the best way to know the exact ingredients in your smoothie is to make them yourself. It’s that simple.
My current go to is:
- 1 x scoop of protein powder – I use MFL Muscle Whey (lean muscle building protein complex)
- 1 x banana – can be fresh or frozen. I currently opt for fresh
- 1 x teaspoon of beetroot powder – packed with antioxidants and can improve blood flow
- 1 x decent sized handful of spinach
- 1 tablespoon of coconut cream – a good way to get in some healthy fats while avocados would currently break any bank balance and to stop me eating too much peanut butter.
- 1 x handful of frozen mixed berries or mango
- Water
It might seem like a lot but having a light lunch followed by this is a great way to get in plenty of greens/fruit along with a couple of extras such as fats and protein to not only curb hunger but keep the metabolism ticking over.
You can obviously mix and match depending on your taste and trying to buy fresh produce that is in season always helps. And in terms of liquid, I don’t have a set amount rather a rough gauge which means the consistency alters slightly occasionally.
The key is to listen to your body and keep things interesting by changing up the staple smoothie ingredients (fruit and protein) so you don’t get sick of. Trust me there have been times where I’ve stuck to the same meal or snack for far too long that I’ve got the point where I haven’t regained the craving to eat that set item.
Troy Balvert September 25, 2017
Are they fresh or frozen banana’s?
Frozen banana’s with maca powder , peanut butter, soy milk, ice cubes, cinnamon and a date or two – makes delicious ice cream type smoothie. Must try it. super tasty and healthy.
Which type of protein do you use?
Luke Balvert September 25, 2017
Hey Troy,
Sounds like you have some good ideas for smoothies and cinnamon is a great addition.
I tend to use fresh bananas alongside the frozen berries, but in summer will freeze a batch for ease and to ensure the bananas last a bit longer. I’ve just tried replacing the frozen berries with homemade stewed apple (sugar free) and that gave it a similar ice-cream thickness.
I use MFL Muscle Whey – lean muscle building protein complex – and mix up the flavour regularly.
Hope this helps and thanks for getting in touch.
Luke
I am Giant September 26, 2017
Cinnamon is great flavour, but also has many health benefits.
You could also try mint – for flavour but also for reduced inflammation and helps the muscles repair faster too.
Turmeric as has many health benefits, but doesn’t have the same nice flavour as mint haha.
Have never tried stewed apples in a smoothie – and my first thought would be that it just makes it a bit runnier, rather than Ice cream texture, but will have to give it a try.
you could give Vanilla bliss Soy milk a try instead of Coconut milk too – for a different flavour combo and for a more liquid like consistency. just ideas to help you out.