My Post-Spin Pina-Kale-Ada Smoothie

Last Friday, I was lucky enough to join forces with the Popcycle team on their Sweaty Betty Live DJ Ride, providing all the post-workout goodies to all the sweaty ladies who absolutely killed it on the spin bike. 

And just in case you’re thinking it was a cool, laid back way to spend your Friday evening, it’s not. 

This high energy class is definitely not for the faint hearted. A 90-minute spin class of hill climbs, sprints and a few upper body weights (thrown in for good measure, just to ensure you’re unable to move the next day), all to live DJ Georga’s deep house, old school hip hop and EDM set. 

But was it an amazing way to spend a Friday night? Was it ever. Why go clubbing when you can get all hot and sweaty on a spin bike?

Check out the Popcycle website for more information on their spin classes and upcoming events if you live in the Kent area!

To refuel I created this delicious Pina-Kale-Ada smoothie. My favourite cocktail with a healthy twist. It’s full of hydrating coconut water to help replace all those lost electrolytes, sweetened all naturally with banana and pineapple, and packs a plant-based protein punch to help your muscles recover after that intense workout!

Ingredients:

Serves 1

1 Cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks

1/2 Ripe Banana

1 Packed Cup Chopped Kale

2 Teaspoons Hemp Protein Powder

1 Cup Coconut Water

2 Teaspoons Lime Juice

when life hands you pineapples...make pina-kale-ada's!

K

July Top 5

And here are my July Top 5...

1. Peaky Blinders, Season 1 (available to watch on Netflix).

For those who haven't heard about this show, it's a period drama set in 1919, following the infamous Birmingham gang, the Peaky Blinders. Although I cover my eyes when the gory fight scenes come on, I became absolutely obsessed and finished season 1 in a week. Also give props to whoever created the soundtrack, because it's awesome. Eagerly awaiting season 2 to come to Netflix.

2. Sweaty Betty, Shorts & Sports Bra Co-ord. 

I picked this cool running co-ord up in the Sweaty Betty sale and haven't wanted to run in anything else since. Usually with shorts I find there's too much material and they come up a little big, but these are lightweight and there's no riding up-or-down or needing to readjust (and of course, you can't not get the matching bra). The sale is now over but their new season collection is now in stores. I’m currently obsessed with this print here.

3. Clinique, Liquid Facial Wash Mild (£16.50) and Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion (£16.50).

These were my absolute skin saviours. A combination of stress and then laziness on the skincare front (listen to your Mother when she tells you to take your make up off after a night out) made my skin erupt in July. These Clinque Mild products were recommended by a friend who has amazing skin, so I didn't need much convincing, and are great on sensitive skin. I use the facial wash in the morning, and then the mild clarifying lotion, which is an alcohol-free acid toner, after cleansing to gently exfoliate the face without irritating break-outs. 

4. L’oreal Paris Color Riche Lipliner (£3.99) and Lipstick (£8.19) in 302 ‘Bois De Rose’.

Usually I like to rock more of a statement lip, but I've been loving this duo for a beautiful everyday pinky nude.

5. Raw Vegan Carrot Cake.

And lastly this month, I've been reminiscing this raw vegan carrot cake. It was my first attempt at a raw cake but it went down a storm with my whole family, including my Dad who gladly swapped a Saturday afternoon slice of chocolate cake for this instead. It was more of a cheesecake consistency so we all agreed it would be a great dessert. Find the recipe here.

K