Zesty Recovery Elixir

Drink cherries or bomb

You may think a sport is a sport and groovin’ is groovin’, but if you’re clocking mile-after-mile and your heart was really pumpin’, you’ll soon experience muscle fatigue from inadequate recovery.

This Zesty Recovery Elixir recipe is an easy prepare & recovery drink you can keep in the fridge for a quick swig here and there before and after workouts. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients including blood-boosting beets, antioxidant-packed cherries and anti-inflammatory rich cranberries to name a few.

How are you fueling your body?

I did a little experiment the other day: I had little to no food in the morning, drank a coffee, went for a bike ride, skipped lunch, then devoured a late afternoon sugar-filled (vegan) ice cream sandwich.

OMG. That was an awful experience. Don’t get me wrong, the ice cream sandwich was pretty delicious! But my brain was in a fog, I got cranky over silly things, I was shaky and I couldn’t focus on any of my design work, whatsoever. As someone who ensures proper daily nutrition and hydration, I noticed a massive change in my well-being by not eating properly.

Food matters. Full stop.

If you don’t eat right, it’s quite likely that you’re not functioning properly. The food you eat becomes a part of you, therefore eating is an opportunity decide exactly what you’re made of. Whole foods are where it’s at. Not empty calories, pharmaceuticals or manufactured supplements.

Nutritional Highlights

Beets – Beetroot contains the essential nutrients potassium, magnesium and iron as well as vitamins A, B6 and C, and folic acid. Beetroot is a great source of soluble fibre which may help digestion, reduce high blood cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.

Ginger – Ginger is among the healthiest and zestiest spices on the planet. A natural anti-inflammatory, it may reduce nausea, help with digestion, fight cancer and boost the immune system. For athletes, ginger can open up your airways, assist in weight-loss, improve circulation and strengthen your immune system.

Tart Cherries – Tart cherries contain some of the highest levels of free radical fighting antioxidants in whole foods. Tart cherries contain a high concentration of anthocyanin, a flavonoid that has similar anti-inflammatory properties to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.

Cranberry Juice – Cranberries are packed with free radical fighting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory vitamin C, vitamin E and magnesium.