Top Smoothies for Pre & Post Workout Fuel

No matter if you're an experienced gym-goer or just starting your fitness journey, choosing the right foods and drinks before and after your workout is key. Nutrition is the fuel that powers your body, and a little pre- or post-workout boost can keep you energized and help with muscle recovery. Our go-to choice? Smoothies!

Featured: Berry Almond Smoothie

The best pre- and post-workout smoothies combine a healthy balance of protein and carbs. These smoothies are perfect for a snack or meal before or after exercise because they're portable, easy to customize, and provide energy without leaving you feeling too full. For optimal results, aim to drink your smoothie 30 minutes before your workout, and have another serving right after. You can even sip half before and finish the rest post-workout. While smoothies also help with hydration, don't forget to drink plenty of water as well.

How to Create the Ultimate Workout Smoothies

You can toss a variety of ingredients into a blender, but for the best fitness benefits and recovery, keep these tips in mind when crafting the perfect pre- and post-workout smoothies:

• Pack it with protein. Some great sources of protein for smoothies include yogurt, nuts and nut butters, silken tofu, and milk or soy milk. This will help build muscle—which is a good thing, whether you aspire to be a bodybuilder or are just looking to tone up.
• Opt for energy-boosting add-ins like fruit, oats, and (again) yogurt. Remember, energizing carbs are your friend when you're exercising.

• Don't overdo it. Yes, you're exercising but don't undo all your hard work by slurping down a sugar-packed calorie bomb. So forgo mixing in sugary treats like ice cream or chocolate syrup, and consume a healthy (not monster) serving.

Our Top Pre- and Post-Workout Smoothie Recipes

Here are 8 of our favorite smoothie recipes to fuel your workout routine, whether you're enjoying them before or after exercise:

1. Banana Strawberry Split Smoothie

This smoothie combines almond milk, protein powder, flax, chia seeds, banana, and strawberries for a delicious, energizing treat. With a touch of vanilla, honey, and cinnamon, it has the perfect flavor balance. "Cinnamon can be overpowering, but here it adds just the right amount of intrigue. Not only is it delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients," says lutzflcat.

2. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

The classic pairing of peanut butter and banana makes for an unbeatable smoothie. With just a few simple ingredients—peanut butter, banana, milk, and honey—this easy-to-make smoothie is a favorite for good reason. "This is better than any fruit smoothie I've ever had!" exclaims slberres.

3. Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie

"This quick vegan smoothie boasts a vibrant pink color and a rich, creamy texture. It's incredibly filling and perfect for those busy mornings. Who says you can't enjoy a nutritious breakfast when you're in a rush?" says recipe creator ASTROPHE. Made with soy milk, strawberries, bananas, and oats, it's an ideal workout smoothie anytime.

4. Matcha Coconut Smoothie

This is not your typical green smoothie! The vibrant color comes not just from kale but from antioxidant-packed matcha green tea powder as well. Sweetened with mango, banana, and coconut, this smoothie also gets a surprising protein punch from white beans. Check out the video for some helpful tips!

5. Apple Vanilla Smoothie

Apples aren't commonly used in smoothies, but recipe creator v6nittany got inspired after receiving a fresh batch from a neighbor's tree. This smoothie combines tart apple with milk, orange juice, banana, vanilla protein powder, and flax, creating an energizing drink. "What a fantastic idea! I've never thought of using apples in a smoothie... My daughter and I love it!" says Bobbi Jo.

6. Razzy Blue Smoothie

"This smoothie is naturally sweet, creamy, and wonderfully cold, delivering both great flavor and solid nutrition," says recipe creator CC<3's2bake. Packed with good carbs and protein from almonds, oats, flax, yogurt, blueberries, and bananas, it’s a perfect workout drink. An unexpected but delicious touch of buttermilk adds a creamy and tangy richness that many users enjoy.

7. Green Monster Smoothie

"This is the perfect post-workout snack that will keep you satisfied for hours!" says recipe creator Arizona Desert Flower. "The banana and peanut butter mask the taste of the spinach completely. I freeze my bananas and spinach and prep everything for the week!" While the recipe is a hit as is, some users recommend easy swaps like using almond butter instead of peanut butter, rice milk instead of cow’s milk, pineapple in place of banana, or adding protein powder for an extra boost.

8. Tropical Teaser Smoothie

Created by Sarah-May as a way to escape to the tropics, this vibrant vegan smoothie is packed with protein from soy milk and tofu. Pineapple and cantaloupe provide natural sweetness, while lime juice and coconut extract bring a distinctly tropical kick. Juniper made a few adjustments, using yogurt instead of tofu and swapping orange juice and cow's milk for soy milk, and found it worked perfectly.

Explore our full selection of Smoothie Recipes.