I used to love working out—spinning being my preferred workout. After work I would rush out of the office to make a 6pm spin class at Cyc Fitness (RIP) every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It was my happy place. I was able to just zone out and feel the beat of the music—letting go of any stress that had built up throughout my work day. It was 45 minutes that belonged to me and no one else. During those classes, I was unreachable—no one could call or text me during my class. Pure bliss if you ask me.
After saying goodbye to NYC and relocating to sunny Los Angeles, I had every intention of keeping up with my go-to workout choice. I even went through a costly training to become a spin instructor (it’s a low-key dream). Then 2020 hit. Womp. All of a sudden there were no more boutique fitness classes. My only option was to get outside and run—I hated it. I completed the Couch to 5k program, but once I was able to run those 3.1 miles without stopping, I kind of slacked. Running just isn’t a workout that sparks joy.
With boutique fitness classes still not available, I decided to splurge and finance a Peloton in January of 2021. I was so excited to finally start spinning again! Due to Peloton’s growth during the pandemic, the bikes were heavily backordered, so I didn’t get the bike for another three months. During that period, I didn’t work out at all. When the bike did finally arrive…I didn’t use it that much. 😬 My fiancé and I had just moved in with each other and I no longer had the type of stress I used to experience when I worked in an office. All good things, but working out became less of a priority.
With life starting to resemble pre-2020 life, I decided that I needed to stop being a lazy #WFH bum and I started working out again at the beginning of the summer. I feel healthier and stronger, but since I no longer have the type of stress I once had, I don’t need to exercise to counteract any negative mindset. The motivation just isn’t there anymore. But thanks to Naked Nutrition, I have started to find my fitness motivation again.
If you’re looking for a pre-workout smoothie recipe that won’t give you the jitters or a post-workout smoothie that rejuvenates you after a long sweat session, check out my recipe below:
Vegan Pre-Workout Smoothie Using the Lemon Blueberry Muffin Protein Powder from Naked Nutrition
Whenever I use protein powder, I always opt for soy-free vegan varieties, and this lemon blueberry muffin protein powder hits the spot. The flavor is very subtle, so the lemon blueberry taste won’t overpower you. The sweetness level is also subtle, which I love. I hate protein powders that have a strong faux sweetness to them.
What You Need
- 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
- A splash of Naked Nutrition’s Naked Fire Shot (optional—this adds caffeine. Omit if you’re looking for a post-workout smoothie instead.)
- 1/4 of a banana 🍌 (do 1/2 if you like sweeter smoothies)
- Handful of fresh spinach
- 2 Scoops of Naked Nutrition’s Lemon Blueberry Muffin Protein Powder ($41.99)
- 3 ice cubs
- A blender (I love my Nutribullet)
Directions
Add all of the ingredients to your Nutribullet or blender, and voilá! You now have a healthy and delicious smoothie that will give you the extra pep you need to complete your workout without any jitters.
I like drinking this 20 minutes before I plan to get on my Peloton. On the days I don’t need or want the caffeine, I don’t add the Naked Fire Shot—turning this recipe into a delicious post-workout smoothie instead.
This protein powder has 20g of pea protein, 5g of sugar, and 7g of carbs. A serving size is two scoops of powder (a scooper is included) and it has 120 calories.
*This specific flavor is seasonal, so order it before it’s gone! Other flavors include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry banana, and peanut butter blueberry.
I hope this easy to make pre-workout smoothie becomes apart of your weekly workout regime!
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**Naked Nutrition provided their products for review, but as always, opinions are my own.
