Give Your Sore Muscles a Break With This Marijuana Smoothie Bowl

By Hedy Phillips

Updated on 1/1/2018 at 6:50 PM

Monica Salafia
Monica Salafia

After an intense workout, I always feel a little bit whooped in combination with feeling pretty invigorated. I've thought to myself many times that if I'm a bit sore the next day, then I feel like I've done something right in working my muscles. Admittedly, though, I never know quite what to do for muscle relaxation (other than some light foam rolling), but registered dietician Monica Salafia gave me a tip that would be super useful in states where marijuana is legal: cannabis can help with relaxing muscles and pain reduction after a workout.

According to Salafia, THC, which is one of the active compounds in cannabis and the active ingredient that gets you high, can have positive anti-inflammatory effects after a workout when consumed in small doses. She created this post-workout smoothie bowl — using beets, which are a source of naturally occurring nitrates that dilate your blood vessels, making it more efficient to carry nutrients to your recovering muscles — to promote a calm, refreshing feeling after a sweat sesh.

The recipe includes a small dose of Ripple, a dissolvable THC, but the smoothie bowl could easily be made without it, either in states where cannabis is not legal or if you just don't want to include it. You'll still reap the benefits of the beets and whatever protein powder you decide to include.

Post-Workout Smoothie Bowl With THC

Cook Time5 minutes
Yield1

Monica Salafia

INGREDIENTS

    • 2 small beets, roasted and peeled
    • 1 cup frozen strawberries
    • 4-5 ice cubes (optional)
    • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
    • 1 packet Ripple Balanced 5 (5mg CBD, 5mg THC)
    • 1-2 cups water (depending on how thick you like the smoothie)
    • Flaxseeds, hemp seeds, coconut flakes for toppings

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. In a blender, add in the beets, strawberries, ice cubes if using, one scoop of your favorite chocolate protein powder, and one prepared packet of Ripple Balanced 5. Add enough water (1-2 cups) to blend the smoothie into the consistency you like.

    2. Pour into a bowl and add your favorite toppings.

    Any cannabis products referenced above are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The writer is not a medical doctor, and their experience is based on personal use, the results of which may not be typical or intended. The legality of cannabis products varies by state, and readers are encouraged to check their local laws before purchasing and using cannabis products. Nothing in this article should be construed as advice regarding the legal status of cannabis products. Any views expressed in this article by a third-party sponsor are those of such sponsor, and do not necessarily represent the views of POPSUGAR.