Ayurvedic post workout recovery smoothies

We all feel worked out and tired after our routine exercises and work out. In this post we will look some of the recipes to make exotic ayurvedic drinks which will help restore and rejenuvate you after a workout.

IMPACT OF EXERCISES ON THE BODY

Let us begin by understanding the impact of a workout on our body.

When we work out, we put pressure on our body. Our body reacts to it like how it normally reacts to stress. Our body will prioritize the workout and other actions like digestive functions and immunity reactions will take a backseat. This is why when u get injured in the middle of a football match or while swimming, we feel the pain only after the match or after we are done with swimming. Our body goes to survival mode when we work out. Considering the workout as a danger the body prioritizes action on our muscles. This is not a bad thing, it is normal and evolutionary. Now as a result of this the following changes occur in the body when we work out

• Heart rate and blood pressure increases
• Ether and Air elements in the body increases
• Digestive fire decreases

It will take sometime after we stop exercising for the body to return to normal. That is why it is advised not to have food as soon as you work out.

THE ROLE OF A SMOOTHIE

During exercises apart from the above, a lot of nutrients and energy is also drained. It is important to refill the nutrients but at the same time it is also important to not reload the body with heavy food (calorie rich) since digestive process will be slower.

Smoothies rich in anti-oxidants, with anti-inflammatory properties and topped with vitamins and minerals will minimal carbs and calories are the best kind of food to have after a workout.

Smoothies also lower the digestive fire because of their cooling properties. Hence it is advised to have an appetizer like ginger, cinnamon or another spice as an ingredient to balance the impact on digestive fire.

BASICS OF MAKING A SMOOTHIE

A Smoothie is a concentrated blend of fruits, grains, herbs and vegetables. Consumption of smoothies cuts down on Calories but ensures the other vital nutrients for proper functioning of the body are readily made available.

Smoothie making is all about blending the ingredients in a mixer or blender to get thick nutrient rich liquid.

BEST AYURVEDIC SMOOTHIES TO CONSUME AFTER A WORKOUT

CAUTION:  Frozen fruits are normally used to make smoothies. Frozen fruits also give the Smoothie a good texture but it is advised to not use Frozen fruits in your post work out smoothies because in Ayurveda fresh items are preferred and frozen fruits are considered to have already lost its prana or life force. Frozen fruits also reduce the digestive fire more hence it is best to use fresh fruits.

AYURVEDIC ALMOND SMOOTHIE

This delightful mix of the protein, vitamin and mineral rich almonds blend with local spices and milk will restore vital nutrients to your body without being heavy on the digestive system.

INGREDIENTS

• 100 grams of Powdered Almond
• 200 ml of Low fat Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• ¼ Teaspoon Turmeric powder
• ¼ Teaspoon Ginger powder
• 1 Teaspoon Sesame seeds

VITAMINS LOADED CITRUS DELIGHT

This vitamin C rich smoothie loaded with berries, oranges and other citrus fruits is tasty, light on the body and can help restore your lost nutrients

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Peeled and cut Orange
• 50 grams of Paneer Grapes
• 50 grams of Strawberries
• 2 Tablespoon Almond powder
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon juice concentrates
• 1 Tablespoon Ginger powder
• 1 Tablespoon Honey

TROPICAL MORINGA SMOOTHIE

This drink offers the goodness of Moringa in a drink to rejenuvate your entire body.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Banana
• 50 grams of baby spinach
• 50 grams of Mango chunks
• 1 cup of Coconut water
• 1 ½ Teaspoon Moringa Powder

PINEAPPLE & GREENS SMOOTHIE

This drink supplies the goodness of Pineapple to restore your senses.

INGREDIENTS

• 100 grams of Pineapple chunks
• 100 grams baby spinach leaves
• 100 ml of Coconut water
• 1 Banana
• 1 Teaspoon Ginger powder
• 1 Tablespoon Honey
• Tulasi seeds (blend a pinch and add some as a topping)