Good morning, Admin!
I’ve got a delicious smoothie recipe for you today that is packed with nutrients your muscles (and taste buds) will LOVE.
It makes for a great power-packed breakfast or post-workout recovery drink, and it’s surprisingly refreshing.
Heads up! It has a few unusual ingredients that will amp up its superpower!
Be sure you get unsweetened tart cherry juice concentrate – it probably will be near the healthy bottled juices in your grocery store, depending where you shop.
Here’s a quick rundown of why this smoothie is so awesome:
→ Tart Cherry Juice – This has been found to speed up recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Plus, some studies show it might actually improve your performance during your workouts!
→ Turmeric – This inflammation-fighting spice contains curcumin, an antioxidant that’s been in the news a lot because of its health benefits. It can help ease soreness, pain and swelling.
→ Cacao – This raw form of chocolate is another surprising source of micronutrients – flavanols, magnesium, and B vitamins – that help your body bounce back from stress and balance your electrolytes.
→ Beets – These dark-red veggies contain a sweet powerhouse of nutrients to help your body overcome stress. This is great for your muscles … and also your heart!
→ Walnuts – These are the only tree nuts that contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help fight inflammation.
→ Spinach – Dark leafy greens contain a long list of micronutrients (like magnesium) to help support your muscle function and recovery.
→ Banana – Not only do bananas help make your smoothies sweet & creamy, they contain potassium, an electrolyte that helps your muscles function properly.
→ Protein Powder – This helps with muscle repair and recovery.
Pretty impressive, right?! And they taste pretty darn good blended up into this thick smoothie.
Choco-Cherry Recovery / Energy Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
¾ cup (180 ml) coconut, almond, or macadamia nut milk
2 tbsp tart cherry juice concentrate
1 handful of spinach
¼ cup (25 g) frozen mixed berries
½ medium beet, peeled and cut into cubes
½ frozen banana, chopped
1 tbsp cacao powder
1-2 scoops of collagen / protein powder (chocolate would be amazing!)
½ tsp turmeric
4 walnuts
Place the first 3 ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend till smooth. Add berries, beet, and banana to the blender and mix well. If it’s too thick, add a splash of non-dairy milk.
When it’s smooth, add the protein powder, turmeric and walnuts and blend until it reaches your desired consistency. Drink as soon as possible.
I hope you LOVE it!
Have a great day,
Brien Shamp
REFERENCES:
www.mensjournal.com/food-
www.mensjournal.com/food-
www.menshealth.com/fitness/
