Busy day? If you barely squeezed a run into your packed schedule, you aren’t alone. But don’t let it be an excuse to neglect your nutrition. 

If you’re in need of quick nutrients on the go, this green mango smoothie has you covered. It’s perfect for busy mornings or a for a tummy-soothing recovery drink between your run and a more substantial meal.

Water, coconut milk, lemon juice and almond milk will help you rehydrate. Bananas bring carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium into the mix, along with adding texture and flavor. Kale and spinach add vitamins, minerals, fiber and that beautiful green color without overwhelming the flavor. Ginger has long been used to aid digestion and fight inflammation while adding tasty spice. Mangoes are packed with vitamins and add a delicious fruity flavor to the mix.

Substitutions: There are endless ways to modify smoothies. This version is dairy-free, but you can add yogurt for extra fat and probiotics. If you want some more protein, try two tablespoons of almond butter. Play around with different herb flavors (mint and basil are favorites) as the year progresses and new greens come into season. 

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk

1 cup water

⅓ cup coconut milk

¼ cup lemon juice

2 cups spinach or kale

1 banana

A one-inch section of ginger, peeled and chopped

1.5 cups frozen mango

Directions:

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth

By Kate Schwartz. Schwartz has been running competitively for 20 years, and she currently runs with the Asheville Running Collective. She lives in Asheville, NC, with her husband, Alex, and their cat, Clementine.