This turmeric shake is a powerhouse and perfect as a post workout recovery drink (or should I say meal!).
The last while, evenings and mornings I was hanging out at a really cool place to work out called Sweatshop Union. Initially I must admit, the name itself intimidated me (to death!) and I didn’t think I had the juice in me to keep up with the workouts.
Hard and challenging, yes–they don’t call it a ‘sweatshop’ for nothing. But also fun, inviting and as I said über cool, it’s never a chore to walk through the door. When workouts and exercises are creative, effective and designed intelligently it keeps you coming back for more.
Expert trainer and Sweatshop founder, Brian Douglas told me one morning he puts turmeric in his smoothie. Of course that left me super excited and impressed, wanting to snag that recipe. Brian kindly whipped together the recipe and allowed me to share it with my readers.
The benefits of turmeric are endless–anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling, aids in digestion, purifies the blood, relieves a cough…I could keep going. But sometimes I have to remember there is more to life than just turmeric! Eating a rainbow of foods and flavours is a good approach to get a range of vitamins, minerals and health benefits from the foods we eat.
Yum, especially after a nice workout.
Brian’s Turmeric Kale Protein Smoothie has it all and is like a whole meal-in-one, perfect for post-workout recovery.
Check out all the power foods in this smoothie!
Here’s what it contains:
- avocado - a superfood and healthy fat, avocados contain antioxidants that protect against eye disease, lowers cholesterol and makes you feel satiated. (1/2 ripe avocado)
- banana - high in potassium, bananas strengthen bones and reduce muscle cramping. (1/2 banana; use whole banana for added sweetness)
- berries - a superantioxidant that helps reduce belly fat. (1/2 cup)
- raw cocoa nibs - contains flavonoids lowers blood pressure levels, reduces cholesterol and improves blood circulation. (2 tsp.)
- coconut oil – a healthy saturated fat, it helps regulate blood sugar levels. (1 tbsp.)
- flax seeds (ground) - fibre rich, flax is a vegetarian source of Omega-3s and boosts immunity. (2 tsp.)
- kale - high in Vitamins A and C, fibre rich, antioxidant and anti- inflammatory. (1 cup)
- protein powder (vegan) - gives you 20g of protein per serving…wow! (2 tbsp. or 30g)
- turmeric - superspice, need I say more! (1/2 tsp.)
- Arvinda’s Chai Masala- this is my signature addition to the smoothie! Contains healing spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper. I add a lot, about 1 tsp. to make this smoothie taste good. Remember, combining black pepper with turmeric increases its absorption. (1 tsp.)
- water- for hydration. (add enough to get the desired consistency)
Try it and stop by Sweatshop Union while you’re at it too. They’ve got something special happening over there!
A teaspoon of: Bombay Bicycle Club. Listening to: Evening Morning.
Do you drink the entire smoothie or is it servings for two or more people? I’m yielding a pretty substantial amount (32oz). Thanks for your help!
Hi Jason, well as per Brian’s suggestion you can sip this over the course of several hours. It will have a significant amount of calories in it so you could half the recipe or make it and have it as 2 or 3 servings. Hope that helps!
[...] In addition to applying the paste, I upped my daily turmeric intake by adding more to my teas, smoothies and [...]
P.S. ……. Love the add of the chai masala..
Brian Douglas
Thank you very much for adding my smoothie to your blog.. It is an amazing way to start the day.. The coconut oil, and avocado will help fuel and nourish the cells allowing for a longer stretch before your next meal (6-7hrs). The health benefits are amazing. If you can last the 6-7 without psychological hunger getting the best of you, your body will start to feed on its own fat for fuel helping in a greater change in body composition. Not to mention freeing yourself from constant preparation of multiple meals.. Drink plenty of good quality water, and many cups of high Antioxidant full leaf green tea. You will survive! and feel amazing by the end of it.. Thank you..
Thanks for stopping by! It’s a pleasure, I’m making Sweatshop’s Smoothie and enjoying it as a ‘meal in a cup’. Great tips, thank you for sharing.
Preena
I’m drinking my version of this as I write this comment. It is quite unlike any smoothie I have ever had before. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your comment Josh! I too am a bit hooked on Sweatshop’s Smoothie and am making it a few times a week. Different indeed, especially with the avocado….I add a lot of spices to make it taste yummy.
this sounds fantastic .. so no liquid ? or yogurt ? its helpful to know how much coconut oil, flax and turmeric goes in .. i will definitely try this .. but if there is any way of finding out the quantities of those items
Hello! I added the measurements in bold (please see above). I usually use a hand blender, but that leaves the kale coarse as in the photo I took. If you want a smoother consistency then you can blend all ingredients in the blender. Hope that helps!
That sounds like a delicious treat
Loving it!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
What proportions would you use?? Sounds like a great pick me up!! barb
Hi Barb,
I didn’t measure the ingredients. I used 1/2 an avocado and 1/2 a banana. I estimated it to contain approximately 450-500 calories so it may be something you can have over the course of the day and not all in one sipping.
Hope that helps,
Preena