A common question I'm often asked, is what do I eat when I'm done my workout? As soon as you get home (or on the way home from class - have it waiting for you in the car!), have a protein source to help rebuild damaged tissue, and a complex carb to replenish some of the lost glycogen. Some cottage cheese with pineapple, low sugar/high protein Greek yogurt (not fruit bottom, but plain) or a protein shake with a small amount of fruit, is a good option. Pay close attention to servings sizes, as you don't want to eat too much! Be sure to check out The Buff Mom Members Area for more ideas.

Below you will find three smoothie recipes. Homemade smoothies can also be used for healthy, protein-rich snacks on non-workout days, as well as quick breakfasts, or evening snacks. Beware of commercial smoothies that can be loaded with sugar, and low in protein. Always read labels and ask for nutritional information at smoothie bars. Mixing with juice increases the sugar content, as does adding a full banana (1/3 of a banana is an actual serving), or using sweetened versions of almond, rice, or coconut milk. Tip: Instead, use 1/3 of a banana and freeze to add thickness to your shake. The less liquid you add, the thicker it will be. We carry chocolate and vanilla Iso Whey on our website, plus our new Sunwarrior Vegan Protein.

Chocolate Monkey

½ cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk

½ cup water

3 pieces banana

5 ice cubes

1 tbsp natural peanut butter

1 scoop chocolate Cygen protein powder

Instructions: Mix in blender or Magic Bullet until smooth.

Berry Explosion

½ cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk

½ cup water

4 strawberries

¼ cup blueberries

5 ice cubes

1 scoop vanilla Cygen protein

Instructions: Mix in blender or Magic Bullet until smooth.

Vanilla Coffee Delight

½ cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk

½ cup cold coffee

1 scoop vanilla Cygen protein

5 ice cubes

Instructions: Mix in blender or Magic Bullet until smooth.