When I went to Kona, Hawaii to scout out the Ironman World Championships course a few years ago, I lived on acai bowls from Basik, a local cafe. After long, hot rides on the infamous Queen K or runs along Alii Drive, I’d refuel with a refreshingly cool bowl of blended of tropical fruits and hearty, fresh toppings. Paradise in a bowl for a starving athlete.
Back in NYC, craving my Hawaiian snack after a sticky run in Central Park, I set out to craft my own smoothie bowl. I dropped some of the harder to find tropical ingredients and used everyday ingredients (apples, bananas, spinach). I also added a hefty scoop of protein powder to help boost post workout recovery.
Getting back to Kona, this time to compete in the World Championships, is my goal this season. As I set out to qualify, I will be eating many of these along the way. –Laurel
Recovery Smoothie Bowl
For the smoothie base:
1 apple, cut into quarters
1 frozen banana, broken into 3-4 pieces
1/4 cup milk
2 big handfuls of baby spinach
1 tablespoon honey
1 scoop of protein powder
Toppings:
fresh banana slices or fresh berries
shredded coconut
granola (we often use a chopped Gather energy bar)
hemp seeds or chia seeds
Blend the base ingredients until smooth. Top with fresh fruit, coconut, granola, and seeds.
Article and recipe by Laurel Wassner. This piece was featured in the May/June 2015 issue of Freeplay magazine. Read this issue online in our archived section here. Archived hard copies available for $4. Email info@freeplaymagazine.com to order this issue.
