Smoothie Power:

When your elliptical program times out; when you reach that five-mile running goal; or when you take that final deep breath in shavasana after an intense yoga class…don’t think for one minute that your workout is over. If you don’t recover the fuel your body just expended, you could be sabotaging the goals you are trying so hard to achieve – weight loss, energy, and muscle strength.

“Just drinking water is not enough to recover after a workout.,” says Kristin Ritter Founder, Director of Wellness, and Holistic Health Coach at Nourishing Storm Studio & Cafe. “You need to replenish the nutrients that your body uses for energy within about 30 minutes after a yoga class or workout or you may lose the benefits.

At Nourishing Storm Café, Ritter offers a line of Chakra (energy center) Smoothies that contain all of the necessary carbohydrates and proteins to match what your body has lost during your workout. The Smoothies are 350 to 400 calories each and offer a 3:1 ratio of carbs to protein. There is no sugar added, but you can introduce options such as nutritional supplements or healthy fats, like avocado or flax seed oil, especially if that Smoothie is counting as a meal.

“These smoothies are quickly absorbed and give your body the right kind of fuel before it starts to look for other energy sources to break down, like muscle,” Ritter says. “They are designed to be the ideal post yoga/workout solution.”

The café conveniently adjoins the yoga studio for post-class smoothie boosts, which can be ordered before class and ready to go whenever you are. Nourishing Storm also is situated on a main road with easy access for runners, cyclists or home workout enthusiasts looking for a delicious and nutritious way to reenergize.

The “Refuel and Recovery” Smoothies are made with all natural ingredients and are themed and color-coded to coordinate with the body’s Chakras. If you are looking for strength, the Berry Awakening is an invigorating blend of berries, banana, orange and vanilla protein. If it’s mindfulness you are seeking, the Peaceful Warrior mixes superfood acai with banana, cacao nibs, berries and chocolate or vanilla protein. And, if love is your goal, One Love will get your there with a mix pineapple, orange, spinach, kale, avocado, banana, lemon, and vanilla protein. Smoothies are available with a choice of milks and whey or plant protein.

“It all depends are what you feel you need at that moment,” says Ritter. “You can also create your own blend or tell us how you feel and our yogis behind the counter will help you with a custom smoothie.”

Nourishing Storm reminds you that March is National Nutrition Month®. Celebrate and share the health with nutritional food, exercise and other wellness activities that nourish mind, body and soul.