(Post-Workout) Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

So, summer has ended, and oddly enough I’ve been to the gym more times in these first couple weeks of September than I was during the entire months of July & August. Hey, summertime is for fun and exciting adventures, and I really didn’t have the time (or the urge) to go to the gym when it was so nice outside and I could be camping instead.

I will be honest though: I did miss my gym time. I’m one of those strange people who enjoy going to the gym and sweating it out (most of the time). I consider it my “me time”; I’m free to think about any-and-all-things-life for 1-2 hours and no one can stop me (or interrupt me – thank you headphones). I also need to work off my crazy–food–blogging–sweet–tooth somehow.

A couple years ago, at my best, I’d wake up at 5am, bus downtown, walk six blocks to the gym, do my thing, have a shower/get presentable and be in my office cubicle at 8am sharp. Five days a week. Thinking about that now makes me feel a little sick inside, because I’m not even sure how I ever had the motivation to do that during the dark, rainy winter months. Granted, I was in the best shape of my life, but still.  That’s insane!

These days I’m more laid back about it, going to the gym on the odd day when I feel like it and have the time. It’s harder to find the time now that I have Lola, since taking care of/spending time with my pooch seems a bit more important (and fun), but when I do go I like to know I’ll have something yummy to eat waiting for me afterwards.

I recently threw together this smoothie after an intense morning gym session and it was the perfect post-workout breakfast. It packs lots of protein in one serving (without any of that gross protein powder), uses minimal ingredients, and tastes super creamy and indulgent. It’s not sweet, since there is no added sugar, but the combination of peanut butter and banana makes one heck of a good smoothie.

It could also double as dessert if you toss in some chocolate sauce or chocolate chips along with it!

Adding chocolate? Now that’s more like it. My next post will be sweet and unhealthy, preferably made with lots of butter, so enjoy this healthy smoothie while you can!