If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know that I write A LOT about juicing.
Generally speaking, I juice first thing in the morning when my stomach is empty, which allows for maximum absorption of minerals and nutrients.
For whatever reason, however, it has taken me many, many years to realize that the most amazing time to drink an organic green juice is after a workout.
Previously, my drink of choice would normally have been a nut milk smoothie, primarily for its protein. (It also tasted really good).
Post-workout, many people tend to grab a coconut water – for the electrolytes – but it has never been a big draw for me. Even if the coconut water is organic, I try to avoid plastic as much as I can. (For more on this, take a look at my post My Organic Coconut Water Conundrum).
Most people you see at gyms or yoga studios are not drinking organic coconut water. So, not only are they consuming coconut water which most likely has been sprayed with pesticides, but they are also ingesting plastic that has leached from the box or bottle.
I first drank a cold organic green juice after going to the gym about a week ago and cannot imagine drinking anything else after a workout.
Green leafy vegetables, most notably spinach and collard greens, are very good sources of protein.
Furthermore, the green juice is alkalinizing and very rich in minerals and enzymes. After a tough workout, you’ll body will crave these vital nutrients to help in the recovery process.
Don’t just take my word for it that this is the best post-workout drink. Try drinking a cold organic green juice after yoga, the gym, or a run, and you’ll see what I mean.
I am completely hooked.
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In case you were wondering, the juicer that I use and love is the Green Star 1000, and I wash my produce with the fruit/vegetable wash from Vermont Soap Organics - the only fruit/vegetable wash that I recommend.
What is your stance on freshly-made juices in a plastic bottle or to-go cup? I would love to try a postwork out juice but don’t own a juicer.
Hi Lydia,
First of all, the juice must be organic. Second, if you’re drinking juice from a centrifugal juicer (the juicer with the blade that spins around – what most juice bars use), then you’ll need to drink it within 5 minutes or so because it oxidates and loses its nutritional value.
Plastic? I avoid it as much as possible. Maybe buy a glass bottle http://livingmaxwell.com/takeya-glass-water-bottles and have them pour it into that.
I hope this helps.
Live well,
Max
What juicer or extractor do you recommend?
Hi Debbie,
See the links in the post. I just added them.
Live well,
Max
Hey Max,
I too drink a glass of fresh green juice in the am and post work out, best thing ever.
Awesome to hear!!!
Live well,
Max
What do you put in your post workout drink? I just got a juicer (VRT 350) and am loving it. I was thinking I was to juice as my recovery. I am curious what you put in it and why?
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike,
It really depends. I’ll use either celery or cucumber as my base. On top of that, I’ll use a mix of few items including kale, collards, chard, lemon, dandelion, and ginger.
Once you start drinking a green juice after a workout, you’ll see how it makes you feel and you won’t want anything else. It is so soothing that you can’t believe it. At least, that’s what it does to me.
Let me know how it goes.
Live well,
Max
Thanks Max! I will try it this week.
Great!
I’ve been making lots of green juice and red juice but I’ve also been reading up on oxalates. Just curious what’s your take on this?
Depends on the exercise , I believe if Exercise was Intense Combining Speed and power. And you Get your muscles very exhausted . For two hours window opportunity We have to nourish our muscles And replenish And repair. We need high-quality whey protein Mixed with some water For Quicker absorption. And recovery . way protein animal based works the best.
Hi Merle,
It is a tricky subject. I don’t drink a ton of green juice that has spinach in it. I think if you are healthy and have a balanced diet, your body can deal with them. I asked Dr. Gabriel Cousens about this a few years ago and that was his response.
Hope this helps!
Live well,
Max
Hi Sandro,
Whey protein also has the very important glutathione, the mother of all antioxidants. Yet, I am sure that you know this already!
Live well,
Max