Matcha Protein Smoothie
If you haven't read about the amazing benefits of matcha green tea yet, it is basically a super concentrated green tea that gives you way more bang for your buck. If you want to read more about the health benefits, check out this article by Dr. Axe. One of the lesser known benefits is that it speeds up recovery in athletes (great for Jason!). Once I read this I had to come up with a post-workout smoothie that included matcha. This smoothie tastes like green tea ice cream AND includes the fuel your body needs after a hard workout! Some of the benefits:
Banana: replaces the potassium your body loses during a workout, which is needed for proper muscle recovery and to prevent cramping
Whey Protein Powder: helps heal the tears you just made in your muscles and is absorbed quicker than protein from food (you should be getting the majority of the protein in your diet from real food, but protein powder is a good alternative post-workout)
Chia Seeds: high fiber content will help keep you full if you don't have time to grab a meal right after your workout and provides extra protein
Matcha Green Tea: speeds recovery and will give you energy so you don't feel as exhausted
You can find matcha at your local health food store (make sure it is PURE matcha green tea, no fillers), or online here. How I did this Matcha Protein Smoothie below.
Matcha Protein Smoothie
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 min
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop vanilla 100% whey protein powder
1 frozen banana
2 huge handfuls organic spinach
2 tsp matcha green tea powder (I use this brand)
1 tsp chia seeds
1/4 of an avocado
Instructions:
Add everything to your Vitamix or other blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy post-workout to take advantage of all of the recovery benefits!
If you want other ways to use your matcha, try these Matcha Pistachio Energy Bites and Matcha Coconut Chia Pudding!
Best,
Stacey