Hyperbole smoothie

The most delicious, nutritious, satisfying smoothie ever in the history of the universe. The creamiest, richest, smoothest smoothie you ever imagined. The best smoothie anyone ever made. The smoothie to end all smoothies.

Blend it up:
Fresh pineapple, cut into chunks (maybe a cup)

A very ripe banana

Generous handful raw spinach

Half an avocado

1/4 cup coconut kefir or light coconut milk

1 scoop Vega Performance Protein (or other plant-based protein powder)

Coconut water and ice to blend to desired consistency

Aside from being insanely tasty, it's ridiculous how nutritious this drink/meal is, with 32 grams of protein, a huge blast of potassium (the banana is famous for potassium, but the avocado kicks the banana's butt, with one little avo delivering 957 mg of potassium). That handsome little fruit (yes, the avocado is a fruit, actually a berry) is also loaded with healthy fats that are essential nutrients. Listen, people, fat is not bad. We need the healthy fats found in coconut oil, avocados, seeds and nuts. If you're watching calories, be mindful of your intake (because these fats are calorie-dense), but throw some healthy fat in your smoothie and you'll be doing yourself a favor. Not only are you giving your body something it needs, you'll also feel fuller and satisfied longer. 

And speaking of electrolytes, do you know about coconut water, AKA nature's sports drink? Holy moley, no wonder the Hawaiians call it "dew from the heavens."  Vitamins, amino acids, electrolytes, and more. It's low in sugar but sweet. It's also yummy.

I make coconut kefir out of coconut milk and kefir grains, bizzare little brainy looking nuggets that are actually live active cultures of yeast and bacteria living together in blissful harmony. Pop 'em into the milk (coconut, soy, breast, whatevs), leave in a warmish place for a couple of days, and voila-- you've got a fermented, yogurty-yummy drink that has super probiotic benefits.

Finally, let's hear it for the humble pineapple, which brings a boatload of fiber, vitamin C, and bromelain, a protease enzyme thought to have anti-imflammatory properties. 

The only place this little glass of awesomesauce fails is in the department of eating locally, and it fails spectacularly. Otherwise, it wins the day.

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What I did: 35 minute run, strength training, swim 20x100, easy/fast, 15" rest, plus warmup, drills, and warmdown
What I ate: Workout: chia chocolate ball, EFS electrolytes, recovery accelerator. Breakie: said smoothie. Lunch: kickass salad, a treat of pumpkin seeds and cashews mixed up with maple syrup and coconut butter. Snack: too much co-op popcorn, Vega sport protein bar. Dinner: red lentil soup (so easy! sauteed onions, garlic, pepper, and ginger; curry powder, red lentils, water, soy sauce, salt) with sauteed kale and millet & flax crackers