To fuel your body while you get that heart rate up, we suggest a nutrient-rich healthy pre-workout smoothie. This recipe is packed with healthy fats and carbs to energize you. Don’t let the color scare you. This pre-workout shake tastes really good.

glass jar of green smoothie surrounded by fresh pineapple, banana, peach, coconut oil and spinach.

For me, drinking a daily smoothie isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about taking care of your body and saying yes to plants every single day. In addition to fueling your body with tasty plant-based smoothies, it’s important to exercise daily. Walking, hiking, boot camp, chasing kids and biking are all great options.

I love to run, so that’s my go-to mode of exercise. It’s what clears my mind and burns off steam (if you know what I mean). I’ve even started a Rawkstar Running Club inside Rawk the Year and it’s been great. We’ve got some friendly competition to motivate us to get in at least 7.7 miles each week and we’re killing it so far.

Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients in Pre-Workout Smoothie
  2. How to Blend a Pre-Workout Smoothie
  3. Homemade Protein Shakes
  4. Plant-Based Protein Powder
  5. Pre-Workout Smoothie FAQs
  6. More Healthy Pre-Workout Recipes
  7. Healthy Pre-Workout Smoothie Recipe
labeled ingredients for a pre workout smoothie including banana, coconut oil, spinach, peaches, coconut water + water and pineapple.

Ingredients in Pre-Workout Smoothie

As an endurance runner, I don’t want super quick energy, I want constant, long-lasting energy that doesn’t take much work for my body to break down. The combination of greens and fruit delivers the nutrients you need to keep you fueled for a long run or a big workout.

  • Spinach: Leafy greens are powerhouse plants that provide nutrients and protein to any smoothie.
  • Coconut water + water: Coconut water acts like natural Gatorade providing hydrating electrolytes your body needs to replenish the energy lost working out.
  • Pineapple: Natural fight inflammation with pineapple, helping your muscles recover faster from a workout.
  • Peaches: Frozen peaches are picked at the height of freshness and flash-frozen to preserve as many nutrients as possible, making them irresistibly sweet and healthy.
  • Banana: Natural sweetness from bananas can help any smoothie become more palatable.
  • Coconut oil: If you are looking to shed a few lbs then healthy fat is actually your friend, not your enemy. It helps break down the natural sugars from fruit and actually keeps you full longer.

This is one of my favorite smoothie combinations. It’s lightly sweet, I don’t even notice the spinach, and I can definitely feel the energy boost that helps me run faster and lift better during a workout.

overhead photo of blender full of spinach next to a photo of fresh ingredients including peaches, coconut oil, bananas and spinach.

How to Blend a Pre-Workout Smoothie

I can’t stand a chunky smoothie. If I’m going to put the work into buying good ingredients to make something at home then I want it to taste great. Here’s how I blend my green smoothies for the best result, every time:

  1. Blend the spinach, coconut water and water until smooth. If you aren’t using a high-powered blender then stop and scrap down the sides as needed to get rid of all those leafy chunks.
  2. Then add the remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth. If you’re using frozen ingredients, let them sit out for about 15 minutes before blending to help soften them a bit.

Using this two-blend method you’ll actually save time and get a better smoothie as a result. I’ve been blending smoothies for 11 years now and this method hasn’t let me down yet!

green smoothie in glass jar surrounded by fresh produce.

Homemade Protein Shakes

It is seriously easy, and less expensive, to make shakes at home. Ditch the super expensive protein powder and pre-made shakes made with inflammatory dairy ingredients and try giving one a blend at home.

If you aren’t quite ready for a green one yet, that’s okay! Chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, vanilla and any fruit you want you can blend into a nourishing snack with ingredients you can actually pronounce.

I love a good protein shake and hate the fake sugar taste of store-bought ones, so I created several to fuel my workouts. They’ve taken on me on countless adventures and made me feel better at 39 than I did at 29!

green smoothie in glass jar with flower lid and metal straw next to blender container, phone with headphones plugged in, sweat towel and running shoes.

Plant-Based Protein Powder

Adding a scoop of a clean, plant-based protein powder can quickly boost the protein of your smoothie. homemade protein powder is my favorite because it is organic and only has three ingredients (hemp, chia and flax) which is the perfect blend of protein and healthy fats.

It can turn any smoothie, including the one below, into a meal replacement instead of just a snack. I use it when I really want to fill my body up and have sustainable energy.

glass jar full of green smoothie.

Pre-Workout Smoothie FAQs

Are smoothies good for pre-workout?

Yes! Depending on the kind you blend, they can give you quick energy for a fast workout or long-lasting energy to keep you fueled for a long run or high-intensity workout.

Which smoothie is best before a workout?

My go-to smoothie before a workout contains coconut water, fruit, spinach and coconut oil for a super fast snack that gives me the energy to maximize my workout without weighing me down.

What should I put in a pre-workout smoothie?

Coconut water is loaded with natural electrolytes, fruit provides a great energy boost, spinach and coconut oil provide protein and healthy fat and fiber to help your body break down the natural sugar into usable energy.

More Healthy Pre-Workout Recipes

Looking for more great pre-workout snacks? I’ve got tons of them on the blog because I love fitness and finding recipes that enhance my workout. You can access my favorite healthy workout snacks here. Or if you want three solid recommendations, check out these smoothies:

Please rate and review this recipe once you’ve blended it. I can’t wait to read how it turned out!

4.68 from 261 votes

Healthy Pre-Workout Smoothie

The best kinds of pre-workout smoothies are filled with protein, good carbs and healthy fats. The combination of greens, fruit and coconut oil deliver the nutrients you need to keep you fueled for a workout.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Author: Jen Hansard
Course: Smoothie
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Serves: 1 smoothie

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ cup coconut water
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup pineapple frozen
  • ½ cup peach frozen
  • ½ banana
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions 

  • Blend the spinach, coconut water and water until smooth. 
  • Add the pineapple, peaches, banana and coconut oil and blend again. 

Notes

  • Use frozen fruit to make a refreshingly cool smoothie.
  • Boost with your favorite plant-based protein powder for extra protein and healthy fats.
  • Swap spinach with the leafy green of your choice. 
  • For a smoothie with less natural sugar, swap out 1/2 banana for 1/4 avocado.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 167mg, Potassium: 862mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 3150IU, Vitamin C: 59mg, Calcium: 79mg, Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? Show me!Mention @SimpleGreenSmoothies or tag #SimpleGreenSmoothies!

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Comments

    1. Hi Chiun,

      Of course! We personally avoid dairy for our family, but feel free to swap in low-fat milk in place of almond milk in this recipe. It’s all about finding what works for you!

    1. Hi Amora,

      Don’t have an apple on hand, no worries! Try swapping in any variety pear, red grapes, black grapes, cherries, blackberries, blueberries into this recipe!

      Cheers 🙂

    1. I was wondering if the almond milk can be replaced with water

    1. Hi Shannon,

      We suggest enjoying one (16 oz) serving prior to your workout, + enjoy your smoothie at least 30 minutes before hitting the pavement or weights.

      Cheers 🙂

  1. Can green tea somehow be substituted for almond milk? or incorporated in some way?

    1. We love blendin’ with green tea! It’s a great liquid base option, and can be substituted into any of our recipes! Its caffeine makes it a great morning green smoothie, especially if you’re trying to transition your routine from coffee to green smoothies in the morning.

      https://simplegreensmoothies.com/dairy-free-smoothies

  2. Just wondering what your opinion is on actual pre workout supplements? I’ve been taking c4 from cellucor and i’ve been a mad man in the gym

    1. Hi Mike,

      Thanks for reaching out! We prefer to supplement our diet with specific herbs, leafy greens, + fruits to meet our personal nutritional needs. What benefits are you looking to gain from C4? We’ll be happy to help you to identify what natural smoothie boosters can help you meet your needs.

      Cheers 🙂

  3. I’m allergic to apples. What could I use instead that would compliment this recipe. I’m also allergic to peaches, pears, plums, cherries & kiwi 🙁

    1. Hi Christine,

      Thanks for reaching out! Allergic to apples, no problem! Any variety of grapes, blackberries, blueberries all make a great replacement in this recipe!

      Cheers 🙂

  4. What other pre-workout smoothies do you recommend? I tried this one and I didn’t like it 🙁 maybe it was the apple and banana combo? Any substitutions you recommend? Thanks. I do love the post-work smoothie though!

  5. Would love to try this recipe, but could I use just regular low fat fortified lactate milk? Or would that taste terrible? Any experience with that?

    1. Hi Kris,

      Thanks for reaching out! We personally don’t use dairy products in our smoothies, as we’ve talked with a lot of nutritionists who have told us that milk isn’t all that it’s been hyped up to be. Dairy is one of the highest diet allergies (and often goes undiagnosed), yet can cause inflammation and if you aren’t buying organic milk, you’re also getting doses of antibiotics, hormones, etc that can tip your own body out of whack. We just avoid milk for our family (and opt for almond milk).

      It’s definitely a personal choice, and you just have to decide what works best for you and your family. 🙂

      Happy blendin’!

    1. Hi Kylie,

      Great question! You can most definitely use quinoa flakes as a replacement for oats! Feel free to make any other substitutions as needed! 🙂

  6. Hi, I would like to know when is the best time to drink the juice, sould I wait like half an hour to exercise or can I drink it immediately before exercise?

    1. Hi Maria,

      We suggest enjoying your Pre-Workout Green Smoothie 30 minutes prior to beginning your exercise!

  7. Tried my first green smoothie today and it tasted great and filled me up for several hours. My concern is the lack of protein…anyone boosting theirs with protein?

  8. I’ve read it’s good to soak your oats before using (didn’t think of that!) and was curious if you do that?

    1. Hi Abigail,

      We love using cooked, raw, + soaked oats! All will keep you full longer, help maintain stable blood sugar, + help lower cholesterol. Soaking the oats does help aid digestion!

    1. Hi Nancy,

      We personally don’t count calories, so we don’t include them in our recipes at this time. You’ll find that when you consume more nourishing whole fruits and veggies, you will not only feel full longer, but you’ll also have lessened cravings for high-calorie, nutritionally empty foods. So in the end it balances out. But we know many people would like to have calorie info. Three great resources for tracking calories are Self Nutrition Data, and the phone apps: My Fitness Pal and Lose It.