Bill--that is very sweet. I love reading stuff like that.
Great idea about the brag thread! I always hope people feel free to share stories about their kids and their accomplishments. I, for one, love to hear about all of it. It's good energy, good works, good kids. These are the people we love and who love us. Can't get enough of that in this world. Brag away.
but I can so see me after a hot bike or run at my car, blending up a smoothie!! so now to figure out the blender part cuz a smoothie then packed up and even in cooler, looks way nasty when you wanna drink it hours later!
I agree, I just found this out this weekend for the first time. Trying to think of options as well. I wonder if we could get a car adapter for the magic bullet? When I hit the grocery store this week though I'm going to pick up an extra bunch of bananas to try this frozen banana thing as well as the almond milk. Why would you go with the Greek yogurt Marianne? Nutrient profile? Taste?
An option when you have to have a post-workout smoothie from a cooler in a car is to go with one of the many manufacturers like Naked Juice, who make a "smoothie" with protein. Their protein option has a similar calorie profile to the one I make at home, and the ingredients are basically fruits, juice, and protein. Shake it up, and voila. I believe that Odwalla has an option, as does Boathouse Farms. Fruit juice (100% juice) or V8 Fusion (half fruit, half vegetable, all delicious) in a bike bottle plus a scoop of protein powder will also do (not as thick, but gets you what you need).
And, just for the record, the Magic Bullet was one of the single best Made-for-TV purchases I've ever made. I've used that thing 3-6 times a week, for 2.5 years. Just terrific.
Nemo- I swear we had the same mother! My mom started making me "special" Orange creamsicle shakes on the mornings that she made eggs for my siblings, since I refused to eat eggs. I can not tell you how many years this went on before I walked in on her putting that raw egg in my shake! I still drank it a few more times, but if you knew how many other times my mom gave me food poisoning, you wouldn't find it nearly as funny. We laugh about it now!
Tried this with the frozen bananas this weekend and it does make a difference! (Also switched to the Greek yogurt, and am liking that addition too.)
Got a question for the masses, especially anyone with WW experience. My fiancee is on WW, and she doesn't like fruit stuff so the fruit smoothies that I love for my post workouts don't fly with her. She's a chocolate/PB type person, but she's convinced that any chocolate/PB recovery smoothie will be too "pointy" for her. I'm trying to find something that will satisfy her on both counts. I've looked around and thought that I might be able to use unsweetened cocoa powder and the PB2 powdered peanut butter, does anyone have experience with those? Alternatively can someone provide a WW-friendly (i.e. low points) chocolate/PB smoothie?
Tony- does she like coffee? I'd have to search a little to dig it up, but my old standard when I was on WW was a coffee/banana/choc covered espresso bean dealio and I used to know the # points. I'll dig through and find it if you think she'd like it.
Tony- does she like coffee? I'd have to search a little to dig it up, but my old standard when I was on WW was a coffee/banana/choc covered espresso bean dealio and I used to know the # points. I'll dig through and find it if you think she'd like it.
Nemo, she's likes coffee, or at least lattes, but I don't know about it in smoothies. I'll ask her to see if she likes coffee flavor ice cream, that would be a good indication I figure. I'll let you know. Thanks!
I am going to start using this as my post LR breakfast on Thursdays. Not much time to eat since my runs start by 5a and I need to get to work by 730 @ ; the latest. I want to build one of these that is a good 500-600 calories!!
@Gina--I'd boost it by loading up extra on either protein powder and/or recovery mix you use--or both. The frozen banana adds an easy 80-100 calories, and is good and creamy. Just get your calculator, measure, checks the cals, and add it up! It's what I do. You could also add some Omega 3 oil to boost the calories and get that nutrition in at the same time.
@Kris--LOL! I have not spent that much time experimenting with the choco. I am too in love with the berry fruit combos I've been using. Current fave is frozen cherries, strawbs, and strawberry protein powder. It's such a pretty pink too. I'll let you know when I burn out on this and turn to chocolate again.
@Linda- plse do as I am still too stuck on the berry thing.... strawberry, banana, strawberry IsoPure protein and apple juice. Love the big bags of different mixes at Costco. They have a mix with peaches too that killa.
@ Gina- You can also use Naked Orange Juice as a base (for alittle over 100 cals per 8 oz). Whole Foods carries it here in Lou. P Butter would also give you a calorie boost and a bit of good fat to help tide you through the morning.
Inspired by this thread and the need to eat all the fruit I bought this weekend before I leave on Tuesday, I got out the blender this morning. Fantastic results!
I have yet to experiment with protein powder... prefer to eat "real" food... but as IM training begins I may revisit that. But before the RR I figured out the calories and my smoothies definitely have enough:
I've been doing greek yogurt for a while (usually vanilla, sometimes plain with honey, blueberry chobani is a new find and really good) bc of the increased protein and thicker consistency - and adding that into smoothies with OJ and lotsa frozen fruit and a banana, oh, and a tbsp of flax seed oil and some honey - that rounds things out to about 500-600 cal (yogurt is about 120, juice 100, banana 80, flax oil, 120, +fro. fruit).
this past weekend I realized I didn't have OJ so I used 100% cranberry/grape juice and it was super good.
as far as recovery to go - after my RR I packed a "smoothie" for the road and left it in my cooler -- that one was choc milk, banana, and pnut butter. Since it wasn't supposed to be thick like a frozen smoothie it worked out really well.
as far as recovery to go - after my RR I packed a "smoothie" for the road and left it in my cooler -- that one was choc milk, banana, and pnut butter. Since it wasn't supposed to be thick like a frozen smoothie it worked out really well.
Becky- That sounds delic! Did you use frozen banana? Think may try variation on that one! I
I have a question about smoothies as a recovery drink. Do you guys have one after every workout or after workouts that last a certain amount of time? I made my first one last weekend after my 3 hour bike rides but I usually do not have one after, say, my 1 hour CT ride scheduled for this evening.
Same questions for ice baths. Do you guys only do them after long rides/runs over a certain amount of time or do you do them more regularly? I did my first two this weekend. I must say, it has to be an acquired skill as I can't say I enjoyed the first one! The second time around I wore a t-shirt that I rolled up to chest level to keep it dry and I wore a cap. It was much nicer.
I say have them early and often!!! Depending on how much training I have done, and if I'm in the mood, sometimes I substitute a smoothie for breakfast after a ride or run. I count my calories and intake during the day, so if I want one, I have one. I always use at least 20 gr of protein in my smoothies, which is why I feel comfortable calling them a meal. I was so addicted about a month ago, my DH was wondering if I had gone on a liquid diet!
Re ice baths--haven't ventured into one yet this season, but I do bundle up when I get in! I think they're awful.
As I think others have mentioned throughout the post, you can alter the amount of calories pending on what you load up in the smoothie. I tend to only use them after long rides/runs as mine can run into major calories without too much effort and I like to keep them as kind of a treat. Like Linda, I do always put a scoop of protein in mine which makes it a complete mini meal. They do work well as meal replacements but I like the whole chewing food experience!
As for ice baths, I tend to use them more after super hard or super long workouts. Only 10 mins in and I do bundle up as well. Don't think I know anyone who likes the process, only the results :-) Both smoothies and ice baths are pieces of my recovery process. Each year, I see the importance more of having a routine and purposing to recover properly. Asking more of my body, so have to give more!
Please do feel free to share any yummy smoothie recipes. I'm diggin them all peeps!!
Hi mark - I think I fall into Kris's philosophy as far as smoothies go... mine tend to run 500-600 cal (yogurt, flax seed oil, fruit etc)... so I save them for the long run or long rides. After a weekday ride or run I'll stick to chocolate milk or, if I work out in the morning, my normal breakfast (cereal or oatmeal with fruit, coffee) - but I eat it before the shower not after (better to try to get your replenishment within 30 minutes or so, if your tummy can handle it - for long (15+ miles) runs, mine can't so I do choc milk right away and have to wait a few hours for the blood to head out of my legs).
I've never done an ice bath... but I've never done the EN plan before and as I get into IM training I may... these back to back epic rides may warrant it. That said, I am a big believer in somewhat regular massage... and self massage with a foam roller and tennis ball.
I love my smoothies. I have variations of those listed below. HOWEVER, never tried peanut butter, chocolate covered coffeee beans or old coffee dregs from the pot. Will try this week to mix things up (pun intended).
And I agree, Hammer soy and whey sucks! I am a Myoplex fan. Friend works for Abbott so I get it dirt cheap via her discount.
Comments
Bill--that is very sweet. I love reading stuff like that.
Great idea about the brag thread! I always hope people feel free to share stories about their kids and their accomplishments. I, for one, love to hear about all of it. It's good energy, good works, good kids. These are the people we love and who love us. Can't get enough of that in this world. Brag away.
An option when you have to have a post-workout smoothie from a cooler in a car is to go with one of the many manufacturers like Naked Juice, who make a "smoothie" with protein. Their protein option has a similar calorie profile to the one I make at home, and the ingredients are basically fruits, juice, and protein. Shake it up, and voila. I believe that Odwalla has an option, as does Boathouse Farms. Fruit juice (100% juice) or V8 Fusion (half fruit, half vegetable, all delicious) in a bike bottle plus a scoop of protein powder will also do (not as thick, but gets you what you need).
And, just for the record, the Magic Bullet was one of the single best Made-for-TV purchases I've ever made. I've used that thing 3-6 times a week, for 2.5 years. Just terrific.
Mike
Tried this with the frozen bananas this weekend and it does make a difference! (Also switched to the Greek yogurt, and am liking that addition too.)
Got a question for the masses, especially anyone with WW experience. My fiancee is on WW, and she doesn't like fruit stuff so the fruit smoothies that I love for my post workouts don't fly with her. She's a chocolate/PB type person, but she's convinced that any chocolate/PB recovery smoothie will be too "pointy" for her. I'm trying to find something that will satisfy her on both counts. I've looked around and thought that I might be able to use unsweetened cocoa powder and the PB2 powdered peanut butter, does anyone have experience with those? Alternatively can someone provide a WW-friendly (i.e. low points) chocolate/PB smoothie?
Nemo, she's likes coffee, or at least lattes, but I don't know about it in smoothies. I'll ask her to see if she likes coffee flavor ice cream, that would be a good indication I figure. I'll let you know. Thanks!
I am going to start using this as my post LR breakfast on Thursdays. Not much time to eat since my runs start by 5a and I need to get to work by 730 @ ; the latest. I want to build one of these that is a good 500-600 calories!!
Ideas welcome!
@Gina--I'd boost it by loading up extra on either protein powder and/or recovery mix you use--or both. The frozen banana adds an easy 80-100 calories, and is good and creamy. Just get your calculator, measure, checks the cals, and add it up! It's what I do. You could also add some Omega 3 oil to boost the calories and get that nutrition in at the same time.
@Kris--LOL! I have not spent that much time experimenting with the choco. I am too in love with the berry fruit combos I've been using.
Current fave is frozen cherries, strawbs, and strawberry protein powder. It's such a pretty pink too. 
I'll let you know when I burn out on this and turn to chocolate again.
@ Gina- You can also use Naked Orange Juice as a base (for alittle over 100 cals per 8 oz). Whole Foods carries it here in Lou. P Butter would also give you a calorie boost and a bit of good fat to help tide you through the morning.
Inspired by this thread and the need to eat all the fruit I bought this weekend before I leave on Tuesday, I got out the blender this morning. Fantastic results!
1/4 ish pineapple
1/2 mango
a few strawberries
1 container nonfat greek yogurt
some milk
a small spoonful of peanut butter
cacao nibs
1 scoop low fat ricotta cheese
1 carton yogurt (i usually do strawberry)
handful of frozen berries/any frozen fruit
splash milk
Oh- last weekend I found Dole Frozen bananas in the freezer next the frozen berries!
I have yet to experiment with protein powder... prefer to eat "real" food... but as IM training begins I may revisit that. But before the RR I figured out the calories and my smoothies definitely have enough:
I've been doing greek yogurt for a while (usually vanilla, sometimes plain with honey, blueberry chobani is a new find and really good) bc of the increased protein and thicker consistency - and adding that into smoothies with OJ and lotsa frozen fruit and a banana, oh, and a tbsp of flax seed oil and some honey - that rounds things out to about 500-600 cal (yogurt is about 120, juice 100, banana 80, flax oil, 120, +fro. fruit).
this past weekend I realized I didn't have OJ so I used 100% cranberry/grape juice and it was super good.
as far as recovery to go - after my RR I packed a "smoothie" for the road and left it in my cooler -- that one was choc milk, banana, and pnut butter. Since it wasn't supposed to be thick like a frozen smoothie it worked out really well.
Becky- That sounds delic! Did you use frozen banana? Think may try variation on that one! I
@Kris - I didn't, but that's a great idea! I will definitely try that out - and pack it for my long ride this weekend.
Same questions for ice baths. Do you guys only do them after long rides/runs over a certain amount of time or do you do them more regularly? I did my first two this weekend. I must say, it has to be an acquired skill as I can't say I enjoyed the first one! The second time around I wore a t-shirt that I rolled up to chest level to keep it dry and I wore a cap. It was much nicer.
Hi Mark!
I say have them early and often!!! Depending on how much training I have done, and if I'm in the mood, sometimes I substitute a smoothie for breakfast after a ride or run. I count my calories and intake during the day, so if I want one, I have one. I always use at least 20 gr of protein in my smoothies, which is why I feel comfortable calling them a meal. I was so addicted about a month ago, my DH was wondering if I had gone on a liquid diet!
Re ice baths--haven't ventured into one yet this season, but I do bundle up when I get in! I think they're awful.
Mark-
As I think others have mentioned throughout the post, you can alter the amount of calories pending on what you load up in the smoothie. I tend to only use them after long rides/runs as mine can run into major calories without too much effort and I like to keep them as kind of a treat. Like Linda, I do always put a scoop of protein in mine which makes it a complete mini meal. They do work well as meal replacements but I like the whole chewing food experience!
As for ice baths, I tend to use them more after super hard or super long workouts. Only 10 mins in and I do bundle up as well. Don't think I know anyone who likes the process, only the results :-) Both smoothies and ice baths are pieces of my recovery process. Each year, I see the importance more of having a routine and purposing to recover properly. Asking more of my body, so have to give more!
Please do feel free to share any yummy smoothie recipes. I'm diggin them all peeps!!
Hi mark - I think I fall into Kris's philosophy as far as smoothies go... mine tend to run 500-600 cal (yogurt, flax seed oil, fruit etc)... so I save them for the long run or long rides. After a weekday ride or run I'll stick to chocolate milk or, if I work out in the morning, my normal breakfast (cereal or oatmeal with fruit, coffee) - but I eat it before the shower not after (better to try to get your replenishment within 30 minutes or so, if your tummy can handle it - for long (15+ miles) runs, mine can't so I do choc milk right away and have to wait a few hours for the blood to head out of my legs).
I've never done an ice bath... but I've never done the EN plan before and as I get into IM training I may... these back to back epic rides may warrant it. That said, I am a big believer in somewhat regular massage... and self massage with a foam roller and tennis ball.
I love my smoothies. I have variations of those listed below. HOWEVER, never tried peanut butter, chocolate covered coffeee beans or old coffee dregs from the pot. Will try this week to mix things up (pun intended).
And I agree, Hammer soy and whey sucks! I am a Myoplex fan. Friend works for Abbott so I get it dirt cheap via her discount.
Thanks for posting, Kris.