Let’s be honest: the past few months saw us all get into things we weren’t expecting. 

Whether that was baking (standard), online fitness (works better than it should), revisiting childhood hobbies such as drawing (oddly therapeutic) or something more leftfield (no comment), 2020 obviously offered up many a curveball (and we’re being diplomatic there).

For BALANCE, it was the pursuit of the perfect post-workout smoothie and shake. Yes, yes, we’re as surprised as you. But that’s what happens when you have too much time on your hands. 

We don’t mind admitting that home workouts salvaged our mental health. And, now that gyms are back up and running, it’s further fortified body, mind and soul. 

And, thanks to stepping up the fitness – and subsequent shakes – this past few months, we can say without sounding too smug, our shake and smoothie game is strong. 

Plant Power

But, this New Year, we’ve been swerving dairy. So, has that thrown a spanner into the blender? Absolutely not. Heck, if anything, we’ve only taken our shakes and smoothies up a level.

When it comes to post-gym shakes and smoothies, you want something that has protein for building muscle, boosts energy so you’re not too exhausted after a workout and, call us old-fashioned, tastes nice. Hey, we’re only human.

And so we present three different post-workout smoothies that boast protein (busting the frankly ludicrous myth that plant-based eaters struggle for protein), and the likes of hemp and chia seeds for some added post-workout clout. Our Beleaf Summer smoothie includes the mighty banana for energy and spinach – always so underrated – offers antioxidants.

In fact, the beleaf range of Yogurt Alternatives and Cultured Shots lends itself to all manner of pre and post-workout goodness in the form of overnight oats, porridge, granola and beyond. So perhaps the only thing you’re lacking when it comes to working out is that crucial beleaf.

Beleaf Banana Berries Boost

Feel like you deserve a treat after a workout? This smoothie delivers.

Makes 2 

Preparation Approx. 5 minutes

Ingredients 

• 2 x frozen bananas     
• 1 x beleaf Berries Almond Yogurt 120g
• Hemp seeds
• Chia seeds

Method

Place all ingredients into a blender and blitz until creamy. 

Top tip: Peel your banana and break into small pieces before placing in the freezer. You can go with a fresh banana, but by freezing you’re just making it that much creamier – to the extent where you may need a spoon! We add hemp and chia seeds for added protein.

Beleaf Summer Smoothie

Keen to keep those wintry blues away? The answer is easier than you think

Makes: 2

Preparation Approx. 5 minutes

Ingredients 

• 1 x fresh mango     
• 1 x frozen banana
• 1 x beleaf Mango Passion Fruit Almond Yogurt 120g
• 1 x tablespoon Peanut butter
• 2 x handfuls of baby spinach.

Method

Place all ingredients into a blender and blitz until creamy. 

Top tip: It’s the banana that brings creaminess, while always-underrated spinach adds vitamins K, A and C.

Beleaf Berry Slam

A veritable burst of berry goodness.

Makes: 2

Preparation Approx. 5 minutes

Ingredients 

• 6 x fresh strawberries     
• 1 x handful of blueberries
• 1 x beleaf Berries Almond Yogurt 120g
• Half x frozen banana
• 1 x tablespoon of hemp seeds

Method

Place all ingredients into a blender and blitz until creamy. 

Top tip: All hail the hero that is hemp; not only are hemp seeds a terrific source of protein, but they also boast vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc

Available in selected Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s stores; to find out more visit beleaf.eu