Post-workout smoothies can be an easy and tastier option to consider after your gym session. They can be prepared with or without protein powders, depending on your protein requirements.
It's advisable to consume a high-protein meal after a workout session to promote muscle synthesis. Drinking protein powder with water can be bland and monotonous. This is where interesting post-workout smoothies can come to the rescue.
Post-workout Smoothies to Try after a Workout
Check out the following six post-workout smoothies you can easily make at home in absolutely no time:
1) Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie
This recipe contains almonds and yogurt, which are the best high-protein snacks to boost metabolism. Almonds are keto-friendly and rich in dietary fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Add the milk, yogurt, cocoa powder, and almond butter into a blender.
- Blend for a couple of minutes till it's smooth.
- Pour into a glass, and drizzle some chocolate syrup.
2) Vegan pea protein smoothie
Pea protein powder is an amazing ingredient to make vegan post-workout smoothies. It provides a good amount of protein and is good for muscle gain.
Ingredients:
- 3 scoops of pea protein isolate
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- A pinch of nutmeg powder
- 1 tbsp of cocoa powder
- Stevia as a sweetener
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients into the blender, and blend till it's smooth.
- Pour it into a glass; add ice cubes, and enjoy.
3) Soy protein smoothie
Soy protein isolate powder can be used to make amazing post-workout smoothies. Soy products are rich in protein and have a higher biological value than other plant-based sources.
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of soy protein isolate
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1/2 cup of strawberries
- 1/2 tsp of vanilla essence
- Stevia as a sweetener, optional
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients into the blender, and blend till the mixture is smooth.
- Pour it into a glass, add ice cubes, and enjoy.
Check out the health benefits of soy protein.
4) Banana walnut whey protein smoothie
Walnuts are among the foods that can be consumed on a gluten-free diet. They're rich in fiber and healthy plant-based fats. Walnuts are also known to be beneficial for the brain, while bananas can increase the nutritional value of post-workout smoothies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of milk. (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 scoop of whey protein (unflavored)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1-2 fresh ripe bananas
- Stevia as a sweetener, optional
- 4 drops of vanilla essence
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients to the blender.
- Blend using the slow option till the mixture is smooth.
Check out the calorific value of bananas.
5) Peanut butter banana shake
Peanut butter is a rich source of vegan protein and has a creamy texture. It can be used in post-workout smoothies to make them tastier and more nutritious. Bananas are a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup of low-fat milk
- Cocoa powder (optional)
- Stevia as a sweetener, optional
Instructions:
- Add bananas, yogurt, milk, and peanut butter to a blender.
- Blend to a smooth, thick smoothie.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder on top. You may add stevia for sweetness.
Check out the nutritional facts and health benefits of peanut butter.
6) Yogurt spiced smoothie
Yogurt is an amazing source of protein to consider while making post-workout smoothies for muscle gain. It's rich in probiotic bacteria, which aids in digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt or greek yogurt
- Stevia as a sweetener
- 1/2 cup milk or water
- 2 cloves
- 1 inch of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tsp of nutmeg
- 1 tsp of vanilla essence
Instructions:
- Blend the yogurt, milk, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla for a couple of minutes.
- Add the sweetener as per requirement.
- Add the cream and nutmeg. Top with berries and roasted seeds.
- This smoothie tastes best when chilled.
Check out whether greek yogurt is good for you.
Bottom Line
Post-workout smoothies can easily be prepared with simple ingredients at home after a workout session. These recipes can make your post-workout meals interesting. It's advisable not to use sugar in these recipes.