The combination of training and seasonal changes can put a lot of stress on our body. While quality sleep, stress management, and exercise all play a significant role in keeping our body healthy, quality nutrition is no doubt one of the most important ways we can support our immune system and be proactive with our health.
Quality nutrition means consuming nutrient-dense whole foods while avoiding pre-packaged processed forms, as highlighted by F45 Sport Nutritionist Kim Bowman. Whole food sources like spinach, broccoli, and avocados not only contain dietary fiber—which is key for gut health—but they also provide core vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation and fight infection in the body. Processed foods, on the other hand, are stripped of their dietary fiber and essential immune-boosting micronutrients during the manufacturing process.
When it comes to immune-boosting superfoods, green fruits, veggies, and tea not only pack rich sources of immune-supporting antioxidants, but make key ingredients in these tasty F45 Challenge superfood smoothies. For more immune-supporting smoothies to get your morning off to a healthy start, be sure to download the F45 Challenge App.
Spinach
It’s a no-brainer that this green leafy vegetable is at the top of the list when it comes to immune-supporting superfoods. Spinach packs a ton of nutrients—including iron, magnesium, folate, and vitamin C—that play key roles in helping the immune system ward off disease and infection. This green superfood also contains a number of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which is a precursor to another immune powerhouse, vitamin A (retinol). The phytonutrients (natural chemicals) found in raw spinach have anti-inflammatory properties and help to detoxify the body as well. We recommend adding this spinach-packed Banana Green Smoothie to your morning routine, as it takes less than 5 minutes to prepare and provides your body with plenty of energizing vitamins and minerals!
326 calories/serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana, frozen
- 1 tsp. greens powder (alkalizing, no added sugar)
- 1 Scoop F45 Fuel, vanilla
- ½ teaspoon LSA meal (linseed, sunflower, almond meal)
- ⅔ Cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 ⅕ Cups unsweetened almond milk
- Ice cubes
Avocado
Avocados are a rich source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and contain key immune-supporting vitamins and minerals (vitamins K, C, E) to keep us energized and healthy. Together, these nutrients make a powerful team in fighting off free radicals that contribute to a buildup of toxins in the body. Avocados are also a rich source of magnesium and folate which enhance the virus and bacteria-fighting capability of the immune system. This Green Dream Smoothie below is not only creamy and delicious, but loaded with nutrients to optimize your health.
404 calories/ serving
Ingredients
- 1 Scoop F45 Vegan Vanilla Protein
- ¼ Avocado
- ¾ to 1 Cup Coconut Milk
- ⅕ Cup Coconut Cream
- 1 Cup Baby Spinach Leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Cashew Butter
- 1 Teaspoon Stevia
Matcha
Matcha is made from green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder, and is one of richest sources of antioxidants out there. More specifically, it contains a class of antioxidants known as catechins, which play a key role in reducing the formation of ‘free radicals’ in the body. This protects the cells from becoming damaged by inflammation, which is essential in allowing the immune to do its job and function optimally. If this weren’t enough, matcha is also a natural detoxifier due to its chlorophyll content, which helps to rid the body of harmful toxins and heavy metals. Adding this Matcha Banana Protein Smoothie to your morning is the perfect way to give your body the nutrients it needs to stay energized, focused, and healthy during Challenge.
Matcha Banana Protein Smoothie
354 calories/serving
Ingredients
- 1 Scoop F45 Vegan Vanilla Protein
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- ⅕ Cup Sliced Banana
- 2 teaspoon Matcha Powder
- 2 Tablespoon Dairy-Free Coconut Yogurt
- ½ teaspoon Stevia
