After a hard or long workout, my go-to drink is a Cherry-Beet Recovery Smoothie.  If you’ve every been around me after a run, you’ve probably seen me drinking this post-workout anti-inflammatory smoothie. It’s a delicious and refreshing way to consume a 3:1 carb to protein ratio for refueling.

When I am heavy into marathon training, or more recently ultra marathon training, I have a lot of early morning runs.  Whether I am driving out to the hills of Barrington to train for Boston, heading to Maple Lake with my trail running crew, or going to an early morning workout class at EDGE, most of the time I will not immediately be home after a workout to cook breakfast.  But I know the importance of having something soon after a workout to help start recovery.  That’s why this Cherry-Beet recovery smoothie is the perfect solution.

 

So, if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see that I like beets.  More like love beets.  A lot.  Why else would I make beet ice cream?  Beets are a superfood for runners.  They have a high level of nitrates which dilates the blood vessels and allows more oxygen to reach the muscles.  There’s been a lot of research about drinking beets before a workout – they allow athletes to perform harder for longer.

 

 

But AFTER a long hard workout, beets can still work their magic.  I want to bring fresh blood and fresh oxygen to my muscles to help repair them, reduce inflammation, and prepare myself for the next day’s workout.  Especially when doing back-to-back long runs during ultra marathon training.  That’s why I add beets to my post-run smoothies.

 

 

In addition to beets, this smoothie also contains tart cherries and blueberries.  Both tart cherries and blueberries have properties that help fight inflammation.  After a long run or hard workout, your muscles will naturally be inflamed.  Drinking a smoothie with cherries and berries kick starts your recovery process and gives your body healthy and natural fuel to reduce inflammation.

 

Refueling after a hard workout is critical to allow you to recover and adapt to training.  By recovering properly, you can have more quality runs in the future.  Post-workout recovery smoothies like this one are perfect because they are easy to digest, full of antioxidants and very refreshing.

 

Cherry-Beet Recovery Smoothie

 

 

 

What are your favorite smoothie ingredients?  If you try this recipe, let me know!  Rate it, leave a comment, take a picture and tag @Rabbitfoodruns on Instagram.  I’ love to see where you enjoy your recovery smoothie! 

 

 

Buen provecho,

Becca

 

 

Print Recipe

Cherry Beet Recovery Smoothie

This cherry-beet recovery smoothie is great for athletes! Tart cherries and berries have been shown to reduce post-workout inflammation. Beet have nitrates to bring more oxygen to the blood. The banana adds carbohydrates and a touch of sweetness. Cashews and protein powder add protein and fat to get a good carbohydrate to protein post-workout ratio.

Servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup frozen tart cherries
• 1/2 cup raw or frozen peeled and chopped red beets *about one medium beet
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 inch knob of fresh turmeric *Or sub 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 3 tbsp raw cashews
• 1 scoop vegan protein powder *Optional
• 1/2 cup water or unsweetened almond milk

Servings Ingredients 1/2 cup frozen tart cherries 1/2 cup raw or frozen peeled and chopped red beets *about one medium beet 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1/2 frozen banana 1 cup spinach 1 inch knob of fresh turmeric *Or sub 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 3 tbsp raw cashews 1 scoop vegan protein powder *Optional 1/2 cup water or unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender plus 1/2 cup of water or almond milk. Blend on high until smooth.

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