A world-record vegan athlete shares her high-protein green smoothie for better energy and recovery
Kettlebell sport champ Jennifer Hintenberger shared the smoothie recipe she uses to start the day.
Ingredients like spinach, cherries, ginger, and turmeric can help speed recovery and prevent illness.
Hintenberger has been vegan for over a decade and said it helped her manage serious health issues.
An elite athlete said she starts every day with a smoothie full of greens, fruit, and other anti-inflammatory plants to help her feel and perform her best.
Jennifer Hintenberger, who holds multiple world records in kettlebell sport, told Business Insider that switching to a vegan diet helped her manage chronic health issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The 43-year-old Canadian athlete is part of the Vegan Strong PlantBuilt roster, which includes plant-based bodybuilders and powerlifters.
She said that her typical day of eating includes as many as 20 servings of fruit, starting with a nutrient-packed morning smoothie.
Her recipe includes:
Spinach — rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C for a healthy brain and heart.
Banana — full of potassium, magnesium, fiber for healthy digestion, and carbohydrates for energy.
Frozen fruit — adds flavor and texture. Hintenberger's go-to, cherries, are also linked to reduced muscle soreness and better recovery.
Ginger — has been studied for a range of health benefits ranging from reducing inflammation to improving digestion.
Turmeric — contains a compound called curcumin with science-backed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Black pepper — can work in tandem with turmeric to boost its benefits, but also adds beneficial compounds of its own which may help regulate blood sugar and prevent illnesses.
Maca root — a plant native to the Andes, it's often used in powdered form to provide amino acids and promote healthy hormones, although research is still ongoing.
Plant-based protein powder — helps to make the smoothie more filling and supports muscle-building and maintenance. Hintenberger opts for vanilla flavor.
The blend is not only full of nutrients and disease-fighting polyphenols, it also tastes delicious, according to Hintenberger.
"I bounce out of bed, I'm so excited to have it," she said.
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