Hi Everyone! I have been away for a while, focusing on some other aspects of my life, you know, child, home, work, learning how to drive (yeah, can you believe it, I had to be 32 years old to tick that one off!) and trying CrossFit (yes, the first rule of CrossFit, tell everyone you are doing CrossFit ;))
So, anyway, it is really true, CrossFit is amazing, it is truly a full body workout, ensuring your full attention at all times. To me, it was like meditation, that one hour of workout, I was in the present moment, no thoughts or worries about the rest of the day, meetings nothing!
Physically, I pushed harder than ever. I have been lifting weights for a few years now, but have never seen such an improvement so quickly. Of course, it really helps to be surrounded by such driven people - the coaches, the fellow cross fitters !
Anyway, while I was at it, you know trying to CrossFit 4-5 times a week, I realised the importance of RECOVERY, all over again! That is rest and nutrition, especially Nutrition. The crucial post workout meal or drink!
What exactly are we looking for in a recovery drink or meal? Well, Protein, to help the muscles repair the damage, wear and tear from the exercise. Now, of course everyone has a favourite source, that they claim is the secret behind their super power, especially protein supplements! Now, I am, as you know a firm believer of natural and whole foods. That is not to say, that protein supplements don't have their advantages, they do, the very ease of not having to plan your meals and worry about preparation and planning. A word of caution on protein supplements, choose a product, that has its ingredients listed (pronounceable ingredients), source natural, minimally processed, preferably organic, ideally plant sources like sprouted grains etc, this will also ensure a better bio-availability and no scary, potentially dangerous compounds and chemicals with side effects.
The recovery meal also needs to be antioxidant rich. This is essential, because exercise causes free radicals, which in turn can cause oxidative stress, unless the body has enough defences of antioxidants.
We need to include carbohydrates, preferably with a high glycemic index, which will help the muscles restock glycogen.
Another crucial factor, is to consume this meal within 20-30 mins post workout.
Ultimately the purpose of exercise, is to enhance our health, fitness, strength, stamina, appearance and well being. It is not, (hopefully for anyone) to just build bigger muscles or lose weight! Since our health goals are multi fold and we pursue various physical regimes to achieve them, it becomes our responsibility to not be complacent about what we eat. Giving our recovery drink or meal some extra attention is paramount.
I have come up with a few great post workout meal and drink options, that I want to share with you, over a few blog posts. These are all natural, wholesome, vegan and yummy, hope you enjoy them!
Garbanzo Broccoli Coconut Stew
The garbanzo beans, provide an excellent source of protein and a unique source of dietary fibre and a multitude of antioxidants. It helps body regulate blood sugar (wonderful for diabetics), provides cardiovascular benefit and keeps you full for longer for fewer calories (ideal for weight loss goals).
Broccoli is a good source of protein and is very rich in Vitamin C as well. But broccoli gives an added benefit in muscle building by limiting body's naturally occurring estrogen and even the sythentic compounds that mimic estrogen. This allows you to negate the negative effects of estrogen on your muscle building goals. Broccoli also helps with protecting the skin against UV damage among other things.
So, here is the recipe -
Ingredients
1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (soak the dry beans overnight and cook them in the pressure cooker with fresh water for 30-35 mins)
1-1/2 cups florets of broccoli
5-6 cherry tomatoes or 1 big tomato chopped
1-3 green chillies slit (to tolerance)
1 onion sliced thinly
1 tsp ginger
5-6 curry leaves
4-5 cloves
2-3 tbsp coconut milk
3/4 cup water
1 tsp extra virgin coconut oil
salt to taste
Process
In a large wok, heat the oil and add the cloves, onion, ginger, chillies and curry leaves. Stir and add the broccoli and garbanzo beans. Cook for a minute and add the coconut milk mixed with water and salt. Let it come to a boil. Turn the heat off and add the tomatoes and mix in.
Enjoy it hot off the wok with a red rice dosa or by itself.
So, anyway, it is really true, CrossFit is amazing, it is truly a full body workout, ensuring your full attention at all times. To me, it was like meditation, that one hour of workout, I was in the present moment, no thoughts or worries about the rest of the day, meetings nothing!
Physically, I pushed harder than ever. I have been lifting weights for a few years now, but have never seen such an improvement so quickly. Of course, it really helps to be surrounded by such driven people - the coaches, the fellow cross fitters !
Anyway, while I was at it, you know trying to CrossFit 4-5 times a week, I realised the importance of RECOVERY, all over again! That is rest and nutrition, especially Nutrition. The crucial post workout meal or drink!
What exactly are we looking for in a recovery drink or meal? Well, Protein, to help the muscles repair the damage, wear and tear from the exercise. Now, of course everyone has a favourite source, that they claim is the secret behind their super power, especially protein supplements! Now, I am, as you know a firm believer of natural and whole foods. That is not to say, that protein supplements don't have their advantages, they do, the very ease of not having to plan your meals and worry about preparation and planning. A word of caution on protein supplements, choose a product, that has its ingredients listed (pronounceable ingredients), source natural, minimally processed, preferably organic, ideally plant sources like sprouted grains etc, this will also ensure a better bio-availability and no scary, potentially dangerous compounds and chemicals with side effects.
The recovery meal also needs to be antioxidant rich. This is essential, because exercise causes free radicals, which in turn can cause oxidative stress, unless the body has enough defences of antioxidants.
We need to include carbohydrates, preferably with a high glycemic index, which will help the muscles restock glycogen.
Another crucial factor, is to consume this meal within 20-30 mins post workout.
Ultimately the purpose of exercise, is to enhance our health, fitness, strength, stamina, appearance and well being. It is not, (hopefully for anyone) to just build bigger muscles or lose weight! Since our health goals are multi fold and we pursue various physical regimes to achieve them, it becomes our responsibility to not be complacent about what we eat. Giving our recovery drink or meal some extra attention is paramount.
I have come up with a few great post workout meal and drink options, that I want to share with you, over a few blog posts. These are all natural, wholesome, vegan and yummy, hope you enjoy them!
Garbanzo Broccoli Coconut Stew
The garbanzo beans, provide an excellent source of protein and a unique source of dietary fibre and a multitude of antioxidants. It helps body regulate blood sugar (wonderful for diabetics), provides cardiovascular benefit and keeps you full for longer for fewer calories (ideal for weight loss goals).
Broccoli is a good source of protein and is very rich in Vitamin C as well. But broccoli gives an added benefit in muscle building by limiting body's naturally occurring estrogen and even the sythentic compounds that mimic estrogen. This allows you to negate the negative effects of estrogen on your muscle building goals. Broccoli also helps with protecting the skin against UV damage among other things.
So, here is the recipe -
Ingredients
1 cup cooked garbanzo beans (soak the dry beans overnight and cook them in the pressure cooker with fresh water for 30-35 mins)
1-1/2 cups florets of broccoli5-6 cherry tomatoes or 1 big tomato chopped
1-3 green chillies slit (to tolerance)
1 onion sliced thinly
1 tsp ginger
5-6 curry leaves
4-5 cloves
2-3 tbsp coconut milk
3/4 cup water
1 tsp extra virgin coconut oil
salt to taste
Process
In a large wok, heat the oil and add the cloves, onion, ginger, chillies and curry leaves. Stir and add the broccoli and garbanzo beans. Cook for a minute and add the coconut milk mixed with water and salt. Let it come to a boil. Turn the heat off and add the tomatoes and mix in.
Enjoy it hot off the wok with a red rice dosa or by itself.
Nice! As a newbie vegetarian I live in constant fear of not getting enough protein. Especially after a CF workout. Will give this a go. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that you are a vegetarian!! :)
ReplyDeleteDark green leafy veggies are a great and under appreciated source, which you may want to add to your daily diet.
Hey Manasa, I just chanced upon your blog and find it very interesting and the recipes are interesting and more so because you explain what each ingredient does for us. Good that I love all things vegetarian! :) You mentioned CrossFit....does one CrossFit on their own or is there a place in Bangalore? Could you also talk a little more about CrossFit please?
ReplyDeleteHi Shilpa, thanks for your message!
ReplyDeleteCrossfit is a specialised exercise method, which is now available in bangalore. You can find more information about them and/or contact them on Facebook - Namma Crossfit.