I’m sure you’re heard of Tart Cherry Juice and how it’s good for antioxidant value, may decrease muscle soreness, and aide recovery. My question is: why not just eat the whole cherry?
We tell our kids apples are more healthy than apple juice, and I think the same goes for adults: cherries are more healthy than cherry juice! The cherry has all the natural fibers!
Cherries to the Rescue
Cherries are amazing little fruits! They’ve been studied intensively and have shown to reduce muscle soreness after workouts, aide in better sleep (they are rich in melatonin, a hormone linked to our sleep cycle), and are full of quality vitamins and minerals…most notably vitamin C and potassium.
They also just taste really good.
I just put all the ingredients of this recipe in my Vitamix and put it to work.
The unsweetened cocoa powder gets plenty of kick from the sweetness of the cherries and berries. This smoothie actually comes out tasting kind of like red velvet cake! I loved it and had to share.
For Post-Workout Recovery
If aiming to recover from a hard workout, I’ll put a hit of my favorite protein powder from Complement – a plant-based protein that sits super easy on the tummy.
With the added protein powder, I can get away with the perfect 1:4 ratio of protein:carbohydrate and rest assured my body is getting what it needs between the cherries, spinach, and protein/carb mix to refuel and get ready for the next ride.
Chocolate Cherry Antioxidant Smoothie
Equipment
- Vitamix Blender
Ingredients
- 1 c cherries, pitted or you can use frozen
- 1 c non-dairy milk
- 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 handful spinach leaves
- 1 t vanilla extract
- 1 serving Complement vegan protein (optional)
- 2 whole pitted dates
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in the Vitamix and give it a whirl!
Notes
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