After physical activity, I like to have something more than a protein boost. I also want to replenish and rejuvenate my entire body with other nutrients that support healthy blood sugar, bones, and tissues.

Through a lot of trial and error, I believe I’ve finally perfected the ideal nutrient-rich protein smoothie!

It’s a smoothie that not only fuels my muscles with high-quality plant-based protein but also enriches my overall health with a substantial serving of greens.

It also features my new Glowing Greens Powder®. So naturally, I’m calling it the Glowing Greens Powder® Protein Smoothie! 

The ingredients in the Glowing Greens Powder® blend support whole-body health and are particularly effective in enhancing protein metabolism and aiding recovery!

How Glowing Greens Powder® Helps with Your Recovery

After any workout, especially an intense one, your body needs more than just rest to recover optimally; it requires the right nutrients to repair muscles, reduce inflammation, and replenish energy levels. 

Each ingredient in the Glowing Greens Powder® is effective in your recovery:

Spirulina 

Spirulina is high in protein and amino acids that help with muscle repair and growth; its antioxidant properties also help combat oxidative stress incurred during exercise.

Chlorella

Just like its cousin spirulina, chlorella is packed with protein and vital nutrients. Plus, it’s brimming with chlorophyll, renowned for its detox powers. Chlorella is amazing because it helps sweep away the toxins that build up when you push your body hard, making your recovery faster and smoother.

Moringa

Moringa soothes muscle soreness and reduces inflammation, which is exactly what your body craves after a good workout. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals that help strengthen your muscles, supporting them as they grow stronger.

Ashitaba

Ever heard of chalcones? These special flavonoids found in Ashitaba are great for your muscles, fighting off soreness and speeding up your recovery. Not to mention, Ashitaba gives you a nice energy boost, enhancing your performance and recovery after workout sessions.

Amalaki

Also known as Indian gooseberry, Amalaki is a powerhouse of vitamin C. This potent antioxidant is key for guarding against oxidative stress and bolstering your immune system, which is crucial when you’re in recovery mode.

Perfect Pairings for Glowing Greens Powder®

My go-to combination, which I absolutely love, involves mixing Glowing Greens Powder® with your choice of any vegan protein, chia seed gel, and a ripe banana. 

This combination is simple and easy to prepare, but even better, it’s incredibly delicious and filling. 

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds provide complete protein, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and a variety of minerals such as calcium.

Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and soluble and insoluble fiber, which are great for heart health and digestion. 

I recommend a chia seed gel because it adds a textural richness to the smoothie. 

What Is Chia Gel?

Chia gel is a simple mixture of water and chia seeds. 

When mixed with liquids, chia seeds swell up to 15 times their size to create a gel that offers long-burning fuel for your body and helps cleanse your digestive system. 

How To Make Chia Gel

For 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, use 3 tablespoons of water. More chia seeds mean more water! 

This recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds, so you can mix with 3-6 tablespoons of water if you’re making your chia gel when you make your smoothie.

To make it, vigorously stir your chia seeds with a fork for approximately 45 seconds in water so they’re fully submerged. After sitting for a few minutes, stir again, breaking up any clumps, and then pour into the blender or storage container (for larger batches, let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes, depending on the amount of seeds and water used). 

How long can you store chia gel?

If you leave the chia gel in a sealed container in the refrigerator, you can make enough to last you approximately three weeks. 

So, if you plan to make this smoothie every day after your walks or workouts or as a filling afternoon snack for energy, then I suggest making it in advance and storing it for use later!

If you’re making it daily when you make your smoothie, just remember to give yourself an extra 2-4 minutes to let the chia seed mixture sit. 

Chia Gel Benefits

Soaking your chia seeds also helps unlock nutrients, making them that much better for you! 

I believe tapping into the most nutrition possible from chia seeds happens when you turn them into a gel, making them most absorbable and bioavailable.

Chia seed gel also helps you maintain proper hydration levels and replenish minerals lost during physical activity. 

Chia seeds contain a lot of protein, as much as 15-20% of their weight, which is great for building muscle. 

The protein and amino acids also help promote hair growth, prevent thinning hair, and improve skin elasticity.

Because they’re so nutrient-dense and filling, they can also help reduce cravings and keep you aligned with a healthy diet. I eat them daily! 

Bananas

Bananas are great for adding a little sweetness, but they also replenish energy and potassium lost during a workout, aiding in muscle function and recovery.

Many years ago, I wrote an article titled Bananas – Nature’s Most Perfect Food? It highlights why I adore bananas and sometimes eat three a day! I believe they are one of the perfect foods for humans.

As you likely already know, bananas are high in potassium. A medium banana contains approximately 600 mg of potassium.

Potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte. It’s essential for muscular function and digestion and helps balance the effects of sodium on the body.

Adding these two simple ingredients to your Glowing Greens Powder® really enhances the flavor and nutritional value!

I believe the true beauty of this smoothie lies in its simplicity, allowing each ingredient to shine and deliver its health benefits efficiently.

Order your Glowing Greens Powder®, start blending, and let me know what you think!

Glowing Greens Powder® Protein Smoothie

 

Ingredients

– 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
– 1 scoop of the Glowing Greens Powder®
– 1 serving vegan protein powder, I recommend SunWarrior Active Protein
– 1-2 Tbs. chia seed gel
– 1/2 large ripe banana or 1 small ripe banana 

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Make your chia seed gel (see note above about making and storing chia gel)
3. Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. I love using my Vitamix!
4. Serve immediately and savor your healthy smoothie!

Explore More Delicious Ways to Enjoy Glowing Greens Powder® (GGP)

GGP is delicious on its own, mixed with water or coconut water (for added electrolytes), but you can add it to any green smoothie for an extra nutritional superfood boost!

I created a version of my classic Glowing Green Smoothie® using the Glowing Greens Powder® and linked it below, but you can add it to any greens smoothie or smoothie bowl. I’ve linked a few of my favorites below! 

• Glowing Greens Powder® Smoothie
• Detox Greens Smoothie
• Creamy Spirulina Greens Smoothie Recipe
• Green Chia & Moringa Smoothie Bowl Recipe

In health and wellness,