It’s true what they say – an amazing day starts with an amazing morning routine. Whether that looks likea quick meditation or an at-home workout for you, one thing’s for sure: Fueling up before or after with a filling breakfast is key! Especially when a pre-workout smoothie is involved.
That's why we turned to the queen of all things tasty, Kelsey Preciado ( on Instagram), to provide Lively with one of her favorite collagen recipes. Not only is this Green Pre-Workout Smoothie delicious (and really pretty to look at), but it's also loaded with better-for-you ingredients – a must-have when looking for a way to fuel up before yourat-home workout.
In addition to leaving you with this delicious pre-workout smoothie, we’ll also provide you with some helpful insight to boost your regimen. Things like "are smoothies good for pre-workout?, "is it better to drink a smoothie before or after a workout?" and "what should you eat/drink before a workout?" will be answered below. Scroll on for all the expert info (and happy sipping!).
Vital Note: This article has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Your licensed healthcare professional can best provide you with the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and assist you as well in deciding whether a dietary supplement will be a helpful addition to your regimen.
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Are smoothies good for pre-workout?
We love a delicious homemade pre-workout smoothie! Not only is it incredibly satisfying (and refreshing!) but it’s a great way to up your nutrient intake and keep you fueled for all of your exercises!
To blend up something great, you only need a few simple ingredients (we'll give you the scoop on which ones at the end of this post!). For an extra boost, we recommend adding a scoop of Vital Performance™ PRE. As the only pre workout with collagen added, it rounds out your amino acid profile with BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) to provide more complete proteins to propel your routine. Additionally, ingredients like creatine, citrulline and arginine work to elevate muscle strength and power output as you go.**
Is it better to drink a smoothie before or after a workout?
It's safe to say that adding a smoothie packed with vitamins and nutrients to your daily routine is great. However, when it comes to timing, there are some studies that point to endurance benefits that come from drinking a smoothie before your workout begins (assuming a pre-workout powder, like Vital Performance™ PRE, is mixed-in!).
Our Vital Performance™ PRE contains coffeeberry® fruit extract, a significant antioxidant that comes from the fruit of the coffee arabica plant. It's one of the most potent natural antioxidants around that has the added benefit of acting as an energy enhancer with 140mg of coffeeberry® fruit caffeine. According to this study, the caffeine content may help contribute to endurance during a workout. So, next time you head to the gym, add a scoop or two of Vital Performance™ PRE to your smoothie before get you started!
What's a good pre-workout shake?
If you're asking yourself, "what's a good pre-workout shake?" you've come to the right place. The below shake is good as a pre-workout because it’s loaded with standout ingredients that help to support your wellness goals. We’re talking Vital Proteins® Original Collagen Peptides – which is odorless, unflavored and easily dissolves in both liquids and foods – spinach, banana, almond butter and more. Just add to your blender and enjoy.
Take a few minutes out of your busy morning to whip up this pre-workout smoothie – or meal prep the ingredients for an afternoon treat that’s as easy as pour, blend & sip!
Green Pre-Workout Smoothie
Yields 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 C sliced frozen banana
- 2 scoops Vital Proteins® Original Collagen Peptides
- 3 handfuls of spinach
- 2 T cacao powder
- 2 pitted dates
- 2 T almond butter
- 1 C non-dairy milk
- 1 C ice
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Enjoy!
What else should you eat/drink before a workout?
Food is fuel, right? So as you decide to engage in some exercise, it’s important to keep nutrition top of mind. In addition to reaching for a pre-workout smoothie or shake, there are other great alternatives to keep you fueled. Below,Lisa Payne helps us round up a list of things to eat and drink before a workout. (Psst! A friendly tip: Keep in mind your pre- and post-workout meals should be around 300 calories or less and consumed 1-2 hours before you exercise.)
What To Eat And Drink Before A Workout
- 1 banana with 2 T of peanut butter
- ¼ C of almonds and raspberries
- 1 hard-boiled egg with 1 apple
- ½ slice of toast with ½ avocado
- 1 sweet potato with ½ C plain yogurt
- 1 protein shake or smoothie (with collagen, whey, pea, rice or egg protein)
- 1 plain chicken breast with baby carrots
- 1 C ground turkey with brown rice
- ½ C tuna with ½ C brown rice
- 1 plain Greek yogurt with berries
- ½ C oatmeal with chia seeds
- 2 slices of turkey on 1 slice of whole grain bread
- 1 C cottage cheese with peach slices
Looking for more inspo? Readhere for what 5 trainers recommend eating before the gym!
Stay fueled & have a great sweat session!
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results may vary. Various studies have suggested benefits following daily consumption of collagen for several months. Refer to product labels and vitalproteins.com for recommended serving sizes and for more information. Use in conjunction with a daily exercise program and a balanced diet. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise.
