“Love to have one of these the night before a long run. Packed with protein and the right vitamins and minerals to help prevent cramps and speed up post-run recovery.”
~ Jason
Runner’s Favorite, a popular NutriBullet smoothie recipe, is absolutely loaded with protein and energy-producing nutrients to help you go that extra mile. Sweet from the apples and strawberries, creamy smooth from the banana and almond milk, and loaded with protein from the nuts, seeds, and vanilla whey protein powder. When you need a little extra gas in the tank, this is your go to drink!
Everything You Need
Key Ingredients
The NutriBullet Runner’s Favorite smoothie ingredients are:
- green apples
- bananas
- kale
- strawberries
- almond milk
- almonds
- chia seeds
- cinnamon
- vanilla whey protein powder
Health Benefits
Apples – Apples are the most widely consumed fruit globally and boast more than 7,000 different varieties. They provide significant amounts vitamin C, vitamin K, copper, and potassium, and are loaded with power antioxidants, especially polyphenols. Apples can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and promote gut health as a prebiotic.
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Bananas – Bananas are very healthy, readily available, and one of the least expensive fruits you can buy. They have relatively few calories, are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, are full of potent antioxidants including flavonoids and animes, and are high in dietary fiber. Studies have shown that bananas can improve insulin sensitivity and may improve kidney health.
[Amazon Fresh]
Kale – Kale, a very popular cruciferous vegetable, is one of the most nutrient-packed foods you can eat. A single cup contains 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, 135% of the recommended vitamin C, and 685% of the recommended vitamin K, among many others. Kale also provides very high levels of the powerful antioxidants quercetin and kaempferol, known to lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
[Amazon Fresh]
Strawberries – Strawberries are a flavorful staple of many healthy smoothies and shakes. They are an excellent source of several important antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds including pelargonidin, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, and procyanidins. Strawberries are widely known to decrease the risk of heart disease, help regulate blood sugar, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
[Amazon Fresh]
Almond Milk – Almond milk is a popular nut-based milk replacement that is naturally lactose-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan. It has a surprisingly diverse set of nutrients, including significant amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and calcium. Almond milk is also a heart-healthy beverage for those interested in lowering their cholesterol.
[Amazon Fresh]
Almonds – Almonds are the world’s most popular nut and are rich in nutrients and healthy fats. They have significant amounts of protein, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. Almonds have been shown to protect against heart disease, various cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease.
[Amazon Fresh]
Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are small in size, but big in nutritional value. They are absolutely loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and are rich in dietary fiber. In addition, the compounds in chia seeds have been shown to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, assist with lowering blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
[Amazon Fresh]
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is an ancient spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is high in powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols, and is loaded with cinnamaldehyde, which also provides significant health benefits. Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory, helps reduce cholesterol, improves sensitivity to insulin, and aids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
[Amazon Fresh]
Whey Protein Powder – Whey protein powder is the most highly studied nutritional supplement readily available, providing great nutritional value and numerous health benefits. In addition to high quality protein, it also contains bioactive peptides called lactokinins. Whey protein powder promotes muscle growth and maintenance, helps lower blood pressure, can lessen the effects of Type 2 diabetes, and reduces inflammation.
[Amazon Fresh]
Equipment Needed
A standard blender is all that is required to make these NutriBullet smoothies. If you are making it for just one person, we recommend using the truly amazing personal NutriBullet Ultra as it is super-quick to set up and very easy to clean.
If you are making them for more than one person, we recommend the higher-end full-sized NutriBullet Smart Touch that can process larger loads more efficiently.
For overnight storage, we recommend using a glass or BPA-free airtight container with a resealable lid.
How To Make The Runner’s Favorite Smoothie
The Nutribullet Runner’s Favorite smoothie is very easy to make:
- Step 1: Place green apples, bananas, kale, strawberries, unsweetened almond milk, almonds, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla whey protein powder into a blender and secure the lid.
- Step 2: Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Step 3: Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Recipe Tips And Substitutions
For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
If you don’t have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the almond milk and still keep this delicious smoothie dairy-free.
Spinach can be substituted for the kale without significantly changing the flavor profile.
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NutriBullet Runner’s Favorite Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 Granny Smith apples cored
- 1/2 banana frozen, sliced
- 1 cup kale
- 1/2 cup strawberries frozen
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk, vanilla unsweetened
- 1/4 cup almonds raw
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1 tbsp whey protein powder, vanilla vanilla
- 1 Collagen Boost optional
Instructions
- Place green apples, bananas, kale, strawberries, unsweetened almond milk, almonds, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla whey protein powder into a NutriBullet blender and secure the lid.
- Start the blender on its lowest speed and steadily ramp up to its highest speed. This will reduce wear and tear on the motor and blades, facilitate a more consistent blend, and help prevent food splatter onto the lid and sides.
- Blend for approximately 30 seconds or until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Pour into a glass for immediate refreshment or place in the refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Notes
- For ease of use, we recommend peeling and slicing a number of bananas, putting them in a freezer bag, and storing them in your freezer for quick access.
- If you don't have frozen fruit, or simply prefer to use fresh fruit (we totally get that), we recommend adding 1/2 cup of ice to chill your smoothie and give it a pleasing icy texture.
- Coconut milk or soy milk can be substituted for the almond milk and still keep this delicious smoothie dairy-free.
- Spinach can be substituted for the kale without significantly changing the flavor profile.
Video
Nutrition
Smoothie Frequently Asked Questions
Nutribullet blenders are designed for ease of use. With a compact design and simple mechanism, users typically just need to fill the blending cup with ingredients, twist on the blade attachment, and press or twist the cup onto the base to blend. Cleaning is also straightforward, as many parts are dishwasher safe.
Yes, protein can play a role in boosting endurance during a run, although it’s typically carbohydrates that are the primary source of energy for endurance activities. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and recovery, which is essential for long-distance runners. Consuming adequate protein can help maintain muscle mass and strength, reduce muscle soreness, and aid in quicker recovery after long runs. This, in turn, can improve overall endurance over time. While protein might not directly provide the immediate energy boost that carbs do, its role in muscle health and recovery is vital for sustained endurance performance.
More NutriBullet Smoothie Recipes
→ If you liked this delicious Runner’s Favorite smoothie, try more of our popular favorites on our NutriBullet Smoothie Recipes page.
Source
NutriBullet: Website
