Good morning, Mr. Stumble.
There is growing concern that recreational endurance athletes like yourself are not eating enough healthy foods especially green leafy vegetables and fruit.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it will be to make and consume a green smoothie each day this week. Further after consuming it you will exercise in any of three modes (swim, bike or run) to test for gastrointestinal distress or other issues. You will report your findings by posting a blog on the internet.
As always, should you or any of your G.S. Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This thumb drive will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck.
Monday: Spinach Grape and Coconut Smoothie Recipe
Making this smoothie is simplicity itself. There are only four ingredients:
1 cup seedless green grapes,
1 cup packed baby spinach,
1/2 cup ice,
1/4 cup coconut milk.
I placed the ingredients into the Oster blender that came in my G.S. Force briefing packet and pressed the Frozen Drink button. The blender turned everything into moderately thick but smooth mixture in about 90 seconds. The major flavor was grapes with a slight spinach aftertaste. It wasn’t bad at all. I would drink it again.
The only bad thing I have to say about this smoothie is that it is a bit light duty. Halfway through my 20 mile bike ride if a chicken had crossed the road, I might have chased it. I was very happy to see my post-ride snack. The smoothie has an estimated 232 calories with 12 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. The addition of more protein perhaps in the form of Greek yogurt might be an interesting addition.
I try to eat mine at least once a day. Sometimes twice! Usually after my afternoon speed work or run, but nothing over 1 hour. Its fun to mix up. I always have kale or spinach, 4 ice cubes, blueberries, pineapple and chia seeds. Other things I vary are apples, grapes and yogurt additions. I love them and I find that instead of a unhealthy late night snack they stave off hunger really well. Just long enough to fall asleep! LOL
Green smoothies have too much fiber to eat and then workout on. Best done after.
Good point. Just to continue the conversation, can you give me some examples of what foods you eat pre-workout?