Lower-Sugar Smoothie Alternatives
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If you're concerned about your sugar intake—and therefore tend to shy away from fruit-based smoothies—you might be able to enjoy these sweet, cold concoctions if you spice up your smoothies with these insulin-lowering spices.
Your Fave Frozen Coffee Drinks Made Healthier
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Frozen coffee and tea drinks made world-famous by Starbucks and other coffee shop chains are popular for good reasons: the combination of energy-boosting caffeine blended with sugary syrups and fattening milks and creams make for a decadently delicious grown-up milkshake. If you take the time to craft your own frozen concoctions at home, you'll not only save money, but also tons of unnecessary calories, sugar and fat.
Burn Fat and Boost Immunity With Coconut
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Coconut oil contains special kinds of fats called MCTs (medium chain triglycerides). MCTs are much smaller than regular chain fats and so are absorbed more quickly, thereby stimulating metabolism.?Coconuts also contain lauric acid, which the body converts into compounds that help to protect the body from viruses and bacteria. This tropical coconut smoothie is great for before and after a workout.
Post-Workout Treats Made Healthy
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Smoothies make ideal post-exercise treats. Depending on where you seek refreshment, though, you could end up with a calorie- and sugar-packed slushy. Get out your blender instead, and make these riffs on several popular frozen blended concoctions available at your local smoothie shop.
Boost Your Endurance With Beets
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In recent years, beet juice has gained the attention of researchers as an endurance-boosting elixir for athletes. One study found that the nitrates in beets help raise the body's concentration of nitric oxide—a molecule that helps relax and widen blood vessels, boost blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and lower the level of oxygen needed by muscles during exercise. Spruce up plain old beet juice with these refreshing flavor enhancers.
Switch Up Your Smoothie and Juice Greens
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Superfoods like raw wheatgrass, sprouts, spinach and (especially) kale top the popularity contest—kale is the new black, right? Remember the phrase "everything in moderation?" Well, that goes for your raw leafy greens, too. Mixing up your leafy greens will ensure that you're rounding out all the different vitamins each type carries.
Increase Vitamin C With Fresh Orange Juice
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Research findings on whether orange juice can improve endurance or performance remain inconclusive. However, one study showed that a?deficiency?in vitamin C impairs the body's ability to use oxygen during exercise, and causes a subsequent dip in endurance. Play it safe and drink freshly squeezed orange juice, or use it as a flavor enhancer in another juice or smoothie recipe.
4 Delicious Recovery Smoothies
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Replenish your calories and add nutrients to your post-race routine with these easy and delicious smoothies. With a bit of creativity, fresh ingredients and a good blender, these smoothie recipes are ideal to replenish the nutrients, fluids and electrolytes you lost during your workout.
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