Here’s a DELICIOUS way to reward your muscles!

<sub>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. We prefer Shaklee brand protein powders because of the quality of ingredients. Note: try using a collagen powder for added benefit. 

Pretty impressive, right?! And they taste really 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.

Hope you LOVE it!</sub>