Drink cherries or bomb Zesty Recovery Elixir

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.

Recovery Drink 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.