It was a good weekend. Saturday was sunny with temps creeping up into the 40’s, melting a significant portion of our 20+” of snow. I ran without a jacket or gloves. The Caveman and I had a child-free date night. Whaaaat?
Not only did I run, but strength training and swimming happened as well. Some of you have asked me how the heck I’m fitting swimming into an already packed fitness calendar. The answer is double workouts 3x/week. I mentioned in my recent coffee talk post how tired I am sometimes. I know I need to pay closer attention to my body to make sure I am adequately recovered.
I’ve been paying extra attention to the way I fuel workouts: before, during and after. I carry a simple shaker cup filled with protein powder and a few ice cubes in my gym bag. I add water and down a quick protein booster between workouts then have a nutritionally balanced meal shortly afterward.
I whipped up a special smoothie with recovery and Valentine’s Day in mind. Did you know cherries contain anthocyanins? Anthocyanins are from a class of mega-antioxidants that reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, enhance heart health and have cancer-fighting properties. Yeah that’s why I love cherries or cherry juice after a long run or exhausting workout.
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Protein Smoothie
1C Milk, give or take, of your choice (I used almond)
1C Fresh spinach leaves
1C Frozen cherries, pitted
1 Scoop Sunwarrior Chocolate Protein Powder
1t Cocoa powder
1/2t Ground flaxseed (optional)
1/2 Banana (optional)
2 or 3 ice cubes (I use coffee ice cubes. That’s how I roll)
Whip up milk and spinach in a blender until smooth. Add remaining ingredients one at a time, continue blending until frothy. Enjoy!
I used Sunwarrior Protein Powder, which was new to me. The folks at Sunwarrior recently sent me a bunch of their products to try so into the test kitchen they went.
What’s cool about Sunwarrior products? They’re plant-based, non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, allergen-free and best of all taste great. I added the sprouted barley to the Chocolate-covered Cherry Smoothie. It’s a slow-burning carb, low on the glycemic index and it gave the smoothie extra staying power. Out of the goodness of my heart, I shared the Ormus Greens with the Caveman, who is not the biggest veggie fan ever. Overall I can’t say enough about the entire Sunwarrior line and will definitely continue to use it.
What’s your favorite recovery food? Smoothie ingredient?
I was sent Sunwarrior products free of charge for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.
it was was was AVOCADO but Ive never even considered (!) frozen cherries!!!
I love the combination of cherries and chocolate. This is reminding me to get back to some smoothie making too! My only nuisance with it is cleaning out the blender all the time 😉
I’m not a cherry fan but these would be awesome with strawberries! I am doing lots of smoothies these days– something fast and easy!!!
Ooooh lovely! Chocolate cherry is a wonderful flavor combination, and cherries are SO good for recovery! That makes this a win win! Thanks for joining the linkup, love the happy smile in that running photo 🙂
What an interesting combo of ingredients! I love the cherry addition. Thanks for linking up with us again for Meatless Monday
As I sip on my morning smoothie, this was perfect timing! I do love a nutrient packed smoothie and one that tastes as good as your recipe sounds is icing on the cake. Er, maybe wrong choice of words!
It was sooo nice here this weekend–topped into the low 60s!
Yay for warmer weather- we haven’t passed the 20 degree mark here in quite some time and it WILL NOT stop snowing!!! That smoothie looks SO yummy! I will have to give it a try 🙂
Great job getting in doubles!! We are very familiar with doubles when we are tri training. Some days they are difficult but the more you do it, the more it will become routine. And this smoothie sounds delicious!
that smoothie sounds DELISH!! totally going to try it. I usually use blueberries – cherries sounds great
Yummm, I love a good chocolate protein shake after a good workout. My favorite ingredient for my smoothies….chia, flax, Skoop protein and raspberries!
I’ve heard some great things about cherry juice and arthritis so it makes sense that cherries in general would help with recovery.
Glad you had a date night – probably very nice after having your husband gone so long.
I drink Chocolate protein shakes (Bolthouse Farms) for recovery. Yum.
Wow!! That sounds delicious.. I love my honeystinger chocolate cherry mocha bars. Chocolate and cherry are a great combo!
Double workouts – just the thought of them makes me feel way too tired. Refuelling and recovery would be extra vital for you on those days. It’s good that you’ve found something that works for you.
whaaat date night? let’s hear more about it! Cute pic b the way! I am not a huge cherry flavor fan but maybe in a smoothie! Double workouts is making me tired lady!
I love fresh cherries but have never been a big fan of cherry flavoring. But, a smoothie…never say never.
Okay, for a split second, I thought this would be a recipe for actual chocolate-covered cherries. It’s okay, I forgive you that it’s not. 😉 Yay for date night! And love that you’ve been swimming so much – that tri is YOURS.
Yum, tart cherries are an awesome addition to any pre or post workout food
This sounds BEYOND decadent!!!
I could make with my Skoop! 🙂