Homemade Strawberry Julius … The Ultimate Workout Reward!
Whew! 5 days into the new fitness program and it is definitelly kicking our butts. Thank you all for your inspiring comments the other day, we are keeping motivated!
Thus far my husband and I have done three days of 90-minute cardio-type weight and muscle training (can we say torture?), an hour of some serious cardio, and 90 minutes of the hardest yoga I have ever done. I am trying to add in some walking along with that to keep these stiff muscles moving! Did I mention we signed up for two-hour long tennis lessons. Call us insane, but we are actually enjoying it … that is, now that the initial bout of cripling pain is wearing off.
So, with this new fitness routine comes an amped up diet. More calories (yes, I said more!), more protein, less sugar, and less fat. The two aspects that are hardest for us are the protein load (to be addressed in another post) and the less sugar. We are sugar addicts around here. Pretty much the only sugar found in the meal plans is slated for post-workout.
Okay, I must admit, that part is genious. Think about it, you can have that wonderfully sweet and thirst-quenching drink and delicious bar … AFTER you finish your workout. Can we say motivation?
The recommended post-workout drinks contain milk in some form or another, so I have had to invent my own. Needless to say, I have spent all week perfecting this post-workout beverage to get the biggest enjoyment bang for my buck. The most important aspect is that the drink have a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein. Surprisingly, that means a lot of wonderful sugars in the form of fresh fruit and sweetener.
Since I am using Egg White Protein Powder (but you can use another type if you wish), the famous “Julius” immediately came to mind, and since it is officially strawberry season … well, need I say more? Of course, this is a versatile, easy little recipe that you can use as a recovery drink, for added protein (say for those little ones), or as a dessert … just see my notes below. Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Rewarding Strawberry “Julius”
This recipe is optional vegan, optional egg-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free
- 2 Cups Strawberry Halves
- ½ Cup Water
- 3 Tablespoons Honey or Agave Nectar or 1/4 Cup White Sugar (I use honey)
- ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch Salt (optional)
- 2 Cups Ice
- 1.5 Tablespoons Egg Protein Powder (or enough of your favorite protein powder to equal roughly 16 to 18 grams of protein OR if you aren’t seeking a big protein boost, use 1 large egg white)
Combine the strawberries, water, honey, vanilla, ice, and salt (if using) in your blender and blend it to a nice smoothie consistency. Add more water or ice as you see fit. Add in the protein powder and just give it a few quick pulses to blend it in.
A Few Quick Notes:
- If using egg protein powder, it will nicely foam up like a Julius very quickly. I can’t say for other protein powders since I haven’t tried them, but the taste should still be excellent. If not using this for a protein drink, you can also use 1 large egg white (3 T pasteurized egg whites) in place of protein powder.
- If you aren’t looking for a 4:1 ratio in particular, feel free to reduce the sweetener to your taste.
- If you want lower calories, reduce both the sweetener and the protein powder in half (but for optimum indulgence, I don’t recommend it!).
- If you just want a dessert, go ahead with the protein powder or sub in a pasteurized egg white, or unsweetened milk alternative in place of the water for more of a strawberry smoothie.
- As is, each serving has about 10g of protein, just under 40g of carbs, and is so incredibly yummy!
Yields 2 yumilicious servings
Blog Events: This recipe was submitted to the Strawberry Feast at My Kitchen Treasures.
16 thoughts on “Homemade Strawberry Julius … The Ultimate Workout Reward!”
Love the photo with the weights!
Looks amazing! I will have to try it with my rice protein powder.
Yum! Good luck with your new program–sounds like you are doing well!
Shirley
I am impressed with your workout! Seriously, I can barely manage 30 minutes, and I’m watching the clock the whole time.
This sounds so refreshing. I think I’ll have this for breakfast tomorrow morning. Thanks for sharing it on Friday Foodie Fix too!
I’ve always wondered how to make a julius! One of my favorite fruit type drinks. Now I just might have to try doing it. Thanks so much.
What a fantastic midday snack, and how perfect for prime strawberry season, too!
Looks great… I need to try something like this for my post-workout meal. I find that I’m always starving after a long workout. It’s hard not to over-eat. Congrats on the new exercise routine. That’s great! I try to get in 1.5 to 2 hours per day if I can manage it. Today is Boot Camp workout!
I need a workout after just reading through your mom’s day list! The drink looks just wonderful.
sounds really good … and simple .. and real refreshing too … Laila .. http://lailablogs.com/
Lovely pictures. I make smoothies a lot; they’re so refreshing.
I don’t know if this fits in with your plan, but a raw egg — I use a pasteurized shell egg — blended in gives them a lot of body and extra nutrition. You can get coupons for the eggs by filling out a short survey at http://www.safeeggs.com.
Bookmarked, and ready to try!
hi Alisa,
Congratulations on working out! You’re doing a fabulous job! I love smoothies for a post-workout too, though I use soy protein. Plus they’re such an easy way to quickly replenish your body.
Hi T&C Partner! Just made this for breakfast. What a yummy and refreshing way to start the day! Thanks for inspiring me this month 🙂
Clara @ iheartfood4thought
Wow if i do this i won’t be albe to move a muscle 🙂
Drink looks so so yumm and thankyou so much for sending this to my event.
Thanks for the recipe! I love your blog!
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