- Kettlebell sports champion Jennifer Hintenberger shared her smoothie recipe to start the day.
- Ingredients like spinach, cherries, ginger and turmeric can help speed up recovery and prevent illness.
- Hintenberger has been vegan for more than 10 years and said it has helped him manage serious health issues.
One elite athlete said that to feel and perform at his best, he starts each day with a smoothie packed with vegetables, fruits, and other anti-inflammatory plants.
Jennifer Hintenberger, a multiple world record holder in kettlebell racing, told Business Insider that switching to a vegan diet has helped her manage chronic health issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The 43-year-old Canadian athlete is a member of Vegan Strong PlantBuilt, a group that includes plant-based bodybuilders and powerlifters.
Her typical day starts with a nutritious morning smoothie and includes up to 20 servings of fruit.
Her recipes include:
- spinach – It is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C, all of which are essential for a healthy brain and heart.
- banana – It’s rich in potassium, magnesium, fiber to aid healthy digestion, and carbohydrates for energy.
- Frozen fruit — They add flavor and texture, and cherries, a favorite of Hintenberger’s, have also been linked to reducing muscle soreness and promoting recovery.
- Ginger – It has been studied for a variety of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving digestion.
- Turmeric – It contains a compound called curcumin, which has scientifically-backed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Black Pepper – Combining it with turmeric can enhance its effects, but it also adds its own beneficial compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels and ward off disease.
- Maca Root – A plant native to the Andes, it’s often used in powder form to provide amino acids and promote healthy hormones, though research is still ongoing.
- Plant-based protein powder — It makes your smoothie more satisfying and helps you build and maintain muscle. Hintenberger chose the vanilla flavor.
Not only is the blend packed with nutrients and disease-fighting polyphenols, Hintenberger says it also tastes delicious.
“I’m so excited to get this I jump out of bed,” she said.
