Run + Refuel

It was another gorgeous day for a run in Chicago. The weather forecast shows some clouds and cooler temperatures rolling in later tonight, so I decided to push my training run up to make sure I could have one last outdoor adventure, at least for the time being.

There was a definite “spring” in my step as I completed my scheduled four miles.

When I got back it was just about lunchtime and I figured I’d kick things off with a smoothie. Inspired by a recent photo and recipe from Brittany, I threw together my own very berry creation. I love the vibrant colors and of course, purple is one of my favorites!

You can check out the (printable!) recipe below.

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Purple Protein Punch Smoothie

Ingredients (serves 1-2):

  • 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 5 frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • 3/4 large, ripe banana
  • 1/2 scoop protein powder (I used Jay Robb Tropical Dreamsicle)
  • Handful of spinach

Directions:

Place all ingredients together in a blender. Combine until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (for entire recipe):

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Fiber: 11g

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The almond milk gives it a creamier consistency than with water or juice. I think you’ll love it!

Hope you are having a wonderful Thursday! There is one day left in my blogiversary giveaway, so if you haven’t shared what book you’d love to read next I definitely recommend doing so now. I’ll announce the winner on Saturday morning.

Also, attention Broadway fans and New Yorkers! One of our POP! Social Media clients, Steve Kaplan, is currently hosting a giveaway on his Facebook page for a free ticket voucher to the upcoming show, Leap of Faith. Steve is one of the shows producers and is thrilled to share ten sets of two tickets. If you live in NYC or are planning a trip there in the next couple of months, all you have to do is like his page and leave a comment explaining why you’d love to win.

What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?

Let me know if you try the purple + protein combination! I’ve added it to my Blends page.

Abrazos,

15 Comments

  1. What gorgeous photos (again) in this post, Jenn! I could just grab that straw right now. 🙂 Thanks for the great recipe and heads-up about the fun giveaway!

  2. I love to do smoothies w/ frozen mango, frozen strawberries, ground flax, milk and vanilla protein powder (Tera’s Whey is my favorite). You really can’t go wrong with smoothies though :).

    • That sounds awesome! I’ve never heard of Tera’s Whey. I’ll have to check it out. 🙂

  3. I super like any smoothie that involves spinach. I feel very Popeye-esque. I also just recently had this humungo kick for pb oat banana smoothies. I’m pretty sure it’s the best combo ever. BUT, warning: they are a little heavy on the stomach, so consumer after you did your workout for the day!

    • I agree with you on the spinach…and doubly agree with you on PB + banana. YUM! Love the idea of combining it with oatmeal for a heavier breakfast smoothie.

  4. It has been SO awesome to run outside! Nothing like getting a little color in March too :). Yum to all the fruit in there. I usually go pretty boring with my smoothies- almond milk, protein and spinach or banana + ice!

    • That doesn’t sound boring – that sounds delicious! Simpler the better, in my opinion. 🙂

  5. Such pretty photos! Love the color of the smoothie! My favorite smoothie recipe is for a strawberry smoothie – I like to make it with frozen strawberries, water, and a little bit of applesauce (makes it nice and thick). It’s so refreshing! And sometimes to switch it up a little, I use cinnamon applesauce, just to kick it up a bit!

    • Thanks, Foodie! I love the idea of adding applesauce for thickness. Definitely want to try that next time!

  6. Your recipe is very close to mine. I do what you do, including blueberries, bananas, almond milk, spinach, and some protein. I also add a handful of kale, a teaspoon of chia seeds, and some flax. The chia gels and expands in liquid and makes the smoothie even more filling and nutritious.

    I also love to do an apple, some organic kale, (regular kale is very high in pesticides), organic spinach, carrots, water, and ice with the chia. It doesn’t sound good, but it is yummy and sweet and my body absolutely loves it.

    • I’ve been loving this “Mamma Chia” drink recently with chia seeds in it but haven’t actually bought them myself. The texture is so cool – I will have to pick some up at the store next time and try your recipes. They sound great!

  7. mmmm that smoothie looks delicious! SUCH A PURTY COLOR TOO!

    and that first pic……….. I just died! SO PRETTY! I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee the SPRING! gives me an extra bounce in my step! I am definitely a warmer-weather kind of girl!

    HAPPY WEEKEND, JENN BEN!

    • Spring is AH-MAZING! Particularly the fabulous month of May, wouldn’t you agree? 😉 Happy weekend to you, GC!!

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