This marathon green smoothie recipe is something I drink during my marathon training.  Pineapple, bananas and maca powder provide a natural sweetness that powers me through.  This green smoothie is loaded with vitamin C, and also contains iron, protein, calcium and antioxidants.

I am a big fan of smoothies.  They are portable, easy to prep and packed with nutrients. Smoothies are also an easy way to add more vegetables to your diet.  The night before a morning workout, I meal prep my morning smoothie and stick it in a mason jar.  That way, I can just grab it out of the ‘fridge in the morning and head out the door.  A few extra minutes of work in the evening for a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning.

I call this my “marathon” green smoothie recipe because I drink it frequently during marathon training.  My next marathon is on Saturday! Usually, I alternate with this and the tart cherry and beet smoothie recipe I shared ages ago.  This green smoothie recipe is great for spring time when things FINALLY start to green up and I crave tropical flavors.  Despite the color, it’s more of a pineapple green smoothie than a “hard core” green smoothie- it tastes like a tropical paradise.  It’s an energizing, nutritious, super simple green smoothie that keeps me going during training.

There are three key ingredients.  First, pineapple.  Pineapple is high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps monitor oxidative stress (source).  Oxidative stress has been linked to inflammation, the exact thing I want to try and avoid during marathon training and race week taper.  Vitamin C also increases iron absorption, so pineapple pairs well with the iron-rich spinach in this recipe too!

Chia seeds are second.  I first heard of chia seeds from those old 90’s commercials for Chia Pets.  Ch-ch-ch-chia!  Moving on.  Chia seeds contain calcium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and additional antioxidants (source).  PRO TIP: If you are going to make this smoothie the evening before, you have two options.  Either add increase the water by 1/2 cup OR wait until the morning to add the chia seeds.  Chia seeds expand a lot in liquid, so this could turn into a scoopable smoothie instead of a drinkable one!

The final ingredient is maca powder.  Maca powder is a naturally sweet ingredient derived from a Peruvian plant.  Many refer to maca as a “superfood” but I’m not a fan of that term.  Similar to pineapple it’s high in vitamin C, and also contains iron, and copper.  Studies have shown that maca powder may increase stamina (source).  To me, it sounded like a perfect marathon training green smoothie recipe!

If you try this recipe, let me know!  Rate it, leave a comment, take a picture and tag @Rabbitfoodruns on Instagram.  I would love to see how you enjoy your pineapple green smoothies! 

Buen provecho,

Becca

Print Recipe

Pineapple Green Smoothie

This green smoothie recipe harnesses the power of pineapple, chia seeds and maca powder for a delicious and nutritious tropical smoothie. Full of antioxidants, vitamin C and healthy fats, it's my "marathon" green smoothie for marathon training.

Servings

smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c spinach
• 1 c frozen pineapple
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp maca powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder *Optional
• 1 c water *or less/more depending on your desired consistency

Servings smoothie Ingredients 1 1/2 c spinach 1 c frozen pineapple 1/2 frozen banana 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tsp maca powder 1 tsp ground ginger 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder *Optional 1 c water *or less/more depending on your desired consistency

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a high speed blender. Add more or less water depending on your preferred smoothie consistency. Enjoy!

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