FITNESS AND FUEL
by Whitney M. Cole, Fitness & Nutrition Phenom

It's 6:47AM. You already hit snooze twice. Business dinner tonight. No chance for a PM workout. It's now or never, but will you even be awake by the time you get to the gym?

Fuel it with my Pre-Workout Smoothie. I'm a big fan of the smoothie as a quick and easy meal or snack, and I make countless variations depending on what the bod needs at any particular time. Use the recipe below not only before a workout, but also after a workout, for breakfast, sweet fix, or anytime you're starved and short on time. While this looks lengthy, 90% of this article is explaining why this smoothie rocks. Try it . It's tastier and more nutritious than any ready-to-drink shake. I know you all want something quick and easy. If I can dress, blend and be out the door in three minutes, so can you.

It provides a good balance of natural protein (36g) and carbs (21g), 30% daily recommended value of calcium, potassium and Vitamins B6 and C and caffeine – assuming you need the lift. The four green teabags in total contribute 80mg of caffeine (about the amount in a cup of coffee) and several polyphenols, the potent antioxidants, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), responsible for speeding metabolism, improving memory function, slowing the aging process and the other green tea benefits we've been hearing so much about. I've also been adding cinnamon since this super-spice is being hailed with anti-cancer causing properties and is linked with lowering blood sugar levels and soothing the stomach.

My diet "The Arsenal" is based on a return to nature approach, since our digestive systems and nutritional needs have not evolved as technology and our lifestyles have. While our bodies best tolerate and utilize minimally-processed foods like veggies and fruits, eggs, lean meat and fish, it's OK to have 1-2 servings daily of skim milk, Greek yogurt and/or natural whey protein isolate daily, unless you know from prior (uncomfortable) experiences that you and dairy don't hit the dance floor together.

I recommend Biochem ...    Continue

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