Like carbs, protein should be a runners best-friend. But protein does more than just speed recovery and build stronger muscles, it actually helps regulate mood by making you happier because it increases the amount of dopamine (the happy hormone) in the brain.
Aside from being a mood-booster, protein is good for your immune system as research shows that protein’s amino acids, such as cysteine, builds stronger white blood cells, giving the body stronger healing power and stronger immunity.
Another health bonus of protein is that it aids in weight-loss. although running is an excellent way to shed the pounds, incorporating more protein post-run can force the body to burn more fat. According to Cynthia Stamper Graff and Reginald Allouche, M.D, authors of The New Lean for Life? protein turbo-charges your metabolism, shrinks fat cells, helping you lose weight faster and the better the quality of the protein (proteins not diluted with additives/preservatives), the faster the weight comes off.
For me, there’s no better way of getting protein than downing a delicious, smooth protein shake after a blistering run! Here are some great protein shake recipes that are incredibly healthy and satisfying!
Great Protein Shake Recipes for Post-Run Recovery
Green apple pie shake via Aloha
Strawberry banana shake via The Fit Blog
Peanut butter shake via Chelsea’s Messy Apron
Gluten-free coffee shake via Southern In-Law
Summer-time mango shake via Aloha
Creamy green shake via Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Spinach banana shake via Garnish with Lemon
Cinnamon roll shake via Family Fresh Meals
Peach pie shake via Wishes and Dishes
Strawberry lemonade shake via Aloha
Immune-boosting triple berry shake via The Pretty Bee
Gluten-free banana bread shake via Gimme Some Oven
Vanilla cream shake via Peanut Butter and Peppers
Dark chocolate peppermint shake via Fit Foodie Finds
Blueberry lemon-lime shake via Aloha
Strawberry coconut shake via Jennifer Meyering
Lemon berry shake via Maybe I Will
Chocolate peanut butter apple shake via Jennifer Meyering
Pumpkin shake via Love Grows Wild
Strawberry banana orange shake via Creative Homemaking
Strawberry vanilla lavender shake via Aloha
Pumpkin peanut butter shake via Carrie Elle
Banana mango shake via Family Fresh Meals
Kale on kale shake via Aloha
Cafe mocha shake via Jennifer Meyering
Vegan chunky monkey shake via Sensual Appeal
Tropical turmeric shake via Aloha
Chocolate banana coffee shake via Lows to Luxe
Dairy-free orange dream shake via My Recipe Magic
Vanilla strawberry shake via The Beach Body
Ginger beet shake via Aloha
Chai Spiced Shake via Wholesomelicious
Banana-split shake via The Schnakenburgs
Apple almond-spice shake via Aloha
Blueberry banana oatmeal shake via Pretty Bitches Can Cook Too
Quinoa shake via My Fussy Eater
Gingerbread shake via Aloha
Mango melba shake via Go Dairy Free
Raspberry avocado shake via Blackmores
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Bretta Riches
BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.
Latest posts by Bretta Riches (see all)
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