Smoothies for Yoga

It could be before an inversion class, or a morning Ashtanga class, or even before learning Uddiyana Bandha.
There will be a time when we may not want to have a full proper meal because it will weigh us down but we still need that sustenance which will last us through the whole session.
Smoothies could be the perfect solution for that.
Below are few easy steps to start preparing your smoothies:
  • Pick your base
For fruits dominant smoothies – milk and yogurt are great bases. They are tasty and creamy.
But those who prefer non dairy, other alternatives such as oat / almond / soy / coconut milks are just as good.
For green dominant smoothies – coconut water and lemon juice
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte while lemon juice adds that fresh and sour kick to counter the vegetal flavours. This is good especially for those trying green smoothies for the first time.
Coconut water based smoothies  are perfect for hot yoga class as our bodies will need more hydration.
  • Pick your fruits and vegetable
This is easily the best, most fun part of making the smoothies.
Berries and tropical fruits such as papayas, pineapples and mangoes are great. Alternatively, a visit to the local market will tell us what is in season and when in season, these fruits tend to be sweeter.
Put those fruits in the freezer before going into the blender for added textures.
For green smoothies, besides the common green such as spinach, kale and bakchoy, we can also add green apples, pears and kiwi for balance without changing that amazing green theme from the final product.
  • Pick your carbs / protein / seasonal add ons
Apart from the fruits and vegetables, always prepare bananas, avocados, or coconut meat ready – adding them in will make the smoothies even creamier.
If you want a more filling smoothie to prepare you for that never ending sun salutations, you can add more carbs from pumpkins, carrots, beets, dragonfruits and oats.
But if you’re going for a more intense class like power yoga or core yoga, you may want to add protein sources in such as peanut butter, cacao or even protein powder.
If you’re feeling hot, add more cooling ingredients such as cucumber, watermelon and fresh mint.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling cold, add more warming ingredients such as ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and turmeric.
You can also add your usual morning pick me ups such as coffee and mocha into the smoothies for either that sense of familiarity or additional caffeine kick.
  • Pick your superfood and toppings
As the last step, you may want to add those superfood in to boost your nutrients intake.
Black sesame, goji berry, maca powder, green tea powder, chia seed, flaxseed, spirulina and medjool dates are great add ons for any smoothies.
Once blended, you may also add toppings like almond shavings, cacao nibs, honey, vanilla beans or even something similar to bubble teas such as grass jelly and coffee jelly.
Happy experimenting!