You’re working out hard, you’re eating right—you’ve got this whole health thing down pat. So why would you need to include a greens powder into your day?
Super greens are a hot commodity these days and for good reasons. Greens powders are packed with many healthy nutrients, some of the more common ingredients being, kale, spirulina (an algae), chlorella, wheat grass, kelp and beets.
Several benefits for athletes using a protein/greens powder duo are: they alkalize the body helping restore pH balance, aid in digestive health, improve energy, endurance, exercise performance, repair muscles, reduce appetite and they are full of antioxidants.
Greens powders are so easy and convenient to use there’s really no excuse not to have implement a daily scoop into your routine. Below are my top five favorite powders for athletes:
1. Vital Proteins Collagen Sports Greens
No need to buy extra protein powder when you can have it all in one shake. Vital Proteins not only has 26 grams of protein per serving along with amino acids but contains 10 grams collagen per serving, 28 CFU probiotics and is rich in vitamin A and hyaluronic acid. The naturally occurring amino acids in the collagen peptides help improve digestion while the collagen proteins, organic greens and organic fruits boost energy. Plus, the combo of hyaluronic acid with collagen enhances, skin, hair and nails. Blend it with juice, cold water or in smoothies.
2. GAT Sports Greens
Just one scoop of GAT Sport Greens is a great way to add fruits and vegetable into your daily diet. This powder is packed with 20 superfoods that include antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These sport greens contain blends of juice, protein, whole foods, berry antioxidants and digestive enzymes that are good sources of phytonutrients, which alkalize and detoxify the body. Sport Greens uses a freeze-dried method to process their superfoods. Using this method guarantees minimal oxidation and loss of phytonutrient potency which helps the nutrients stay close to their natural state. Another added bonus, these greens are non-GMO and gluten-free.
3. Vega Protein & Greens
This plant-based powder offers 20 grams multisource protein and amino acid blend to help during your recovery phase. One scoop satisfies two servings of greens made from over one cup of veggies (alfalfa, spinach, broccoli and kale). Low in calories and sugar, this option is also non-GMO and gluten-free.
4. Garden of Life Organic RAW Protein & Greens™
Organic and clean is the key here! This wonderful organic plant protein is raw, vegan, dairy-free, kosher and non-GMO touting 20 grams protein and less than 1 gram sugar. With six veggies (alfalfa grass juice, spinach, kale, broccoli, carrot and beet), and the 1.5 billion live probiotics and 13 enzymes to aid with digestion, you have yourself a power shake for breakfast, post-workout or as a snack!
5. Orgain Organic Protein™ & Greens
The founder of Orgain, Dr. Andrew Abraham, believes in celebrating high standards and emphasizes that we all should live more vibrant lives through nutrition. That’s why just one serving of this protein powder supplies 15 organic spinach leaves, 1/2 cup organic kale and two organic broccoli florets along with 21 grams of an organic protein blend. Lactose-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, USDA organic and vegan means everyone can enjoy a daily shake. Just blend a scoop with almond or coconut milk, fruit and your choice of any natural nut butter and you have a healthy, nutritious meal or snack.
Inspired to put your greens powders to good use? Try this simple Super-Green Superfood Smoothie or a sweet Chocolate & Greens Detox Smoothie.