Here’s Your Perfect Post-Practice Smoothie Recipe

The Northern Hemisphere’s season of fire is upon us. It’s represented by the Pitta energy force that brings long days full of bright sun and intense, searing heat. If your personal bio-physical makeup is also predominantly Pitta, then you’re dealing with a double dose of sultry sizzle. This makes it a real challenge to keep your mind and body in a state of healthy balance. 

When balanced, Pitta energy helps to nourish us with its light. It also helps burn off the “old” with its fiery, passionate nature. This allows us to make room for the new, and assists with taking positive action toward our dreams. It’s a season – and a dosha – of action and progress!

Yet too much light can burn, leading to literal burnout via energy depletion if not stabilized with energetic forces from the right foods and beverages.

Turning Down the Flames Post-Practice

Cool, soothing flavors help moderate the fire of Pitta-dominant people. This is so important because Pitta governs all the metabolic forces in our body, including digestion, chemical signaling, and energy conversion. That’s why people with a Pitta constitution can easily become inflamed.  Over time, this can lead to a whole host of chronic conditions, including autoimmune, nervous system, diabetic, mental health, and cardiovascular issues.

After an invigorating yoga routine such as the Fire Element Flow that helps you get in touch with the best of your Pitta nature, enjoying a refreshing post-practice smoothie made from pitta-approved fare is an optimal way to “turn down the heat” and keep your health thriving. This fare includes fresh, green fruits and vegetables, and foods that are sweet, bitter, and slightly drying in nature. 

Take a look at July’s “Post-Practice Smoothie of the Month.” This also makes a great summertime treat for people with Vata and Kapha constitutions.

Vegan Gluten-Free Key Lime Post-Practice Smoothie

This sweet yet mild twist on key lime pie is filled with some top heat-reducing ingredients. It’s also so simple to make that it’s sure to fend off any irritability that can be a sign of unbalanced Pitta energy. Even the subdued green color helps reduce volatility and increase your ability to have a passionate and productive day. 

Here’s all you need to cool down fast:

• 2 Cups Unsweetened Organic Almond Milk
• 2 Ripe Avocados
• 1 TBSP Chia Seeds
• Juice from 1 & 1/2 Limes
• 1/4 Cup Pure Maple Syrup

Simply mix all the ingredients together in your blender, and you’re ready to enjoy this refreshing seasonal smoothie! The consistency will be somewhat thick like key lime pie filling, but also drinkable. You can also add a handful of your favorite nuts on the side, like pecans or almonds. This will help increase your protein and healthy fat content. 

Health Benefits of Key Lime Smoothies

Besides being two of the best foods for Pitta-dominant people, avocados and chia seeds are considered “superfoods” because they are so high in nutritional value. Here are some of their abundant wellness-boosting benefits:

• Each avocado contains 20% of your daily value (DV) of Vitamins C, B6, Potassium, and Pantothenic Acid (B5), 30% DV of Folate, and a whopping 36% DV of Vitamin K.
• Chia seeds contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food on the planet. This makes them a fantastic way to fend of free radicals and increase resiliency to disease.
• Both foods help decrease your risk of heart disease and balance your blood sugar. They may also boost energy levels, assist with weight loss, and give you clear, glowing skin.
• The high fiber content of both avocados and chia seeds makes them ideal for promoting digestive health.

Since Pitta’s main element of digestive fire – or agni – is centered in the stomach, standing poses like Half Moon that open up your hips and heart while moving the heat away from your belly are highly beneficial.

The breath work and asana in Yoga for Digestive Health helps ensure optimal nutrient absorption of your delicious post-practice smoothie! Sign up for YogaVibes free 15-day trial membership today to start enjoying this class. You’ll also enjoy unlimited streaming of thousands of great yoga, meditation, and barre courses that help you balance your passionate pitta nature.