This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of the The Cherry Marketing Institute.
Over the past few days, I’ve mentioned my participation in the 7-Day Tart Cherry Juice Challenge, but I have not explained the finer details of this challenge. The main reason for this is that I’m well aware of placebo effects when completing health challenges like this. And like my morning shot of cherry juice, I gave the challenge a moment of attention and then moved on, letting the effects play out as they will.
So what is the reason for drinking tart cherry juice or concentrate? One reason is I have just started a new marathon training cycle. For the next 17 weeks, I will be completing a lot of strenuous running workouts including speed work, hill intervals, and long runs. In between those, the CrossFit training is extremely important to keep my IT band happy and increase overall flexibility and endurance. What do cherries have to do with my workouts?
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Reduced muscle soreness. In two studies, runners who drank Tart cherry juice before and after strenuous races reported a reduction in muscle pain. In a separate study, experienced cyclists drank tart cherry juice twice a day for 7 days before a 3 day race. These 16 cyclists reported similar results as the runners. Both of these case results were compared to a control group who drank a different beverage.
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Faster Recovery. In the studies noted above, another benefit reported was faster recovery after a strenuous event such as a race. I’m very interested in recovery because it seems I take longer to recover from weekend long runs. I have to wonder if more water alone is the answer or is there something in tart cherries that could aid in recovery. Check this link for information on all these studies.
Researchers suggest the compound anthocyanin found in Montmorency tart cherries, is responsible for the reduction in inflammation, muscle damage, and oxidative stress usually present in athletes after strenuous activities and events. Additional research is needed to explain the anti-inflammatory effects of drinking tart cherry juice but these studies are promising. I am going to continue with the juice challenge since running was put on hold last week due to illness. I look forward to seeing the results.
What are some ways to incorporate tart cherries into my current fueling plan? According to the Tart Cherries challenge, I need 2 8-oz servings of tart cherry juice each day. The best timing for these is to drink 1 serving each morning and the 2nd serving within 30 minutes of finishing my workout. You can get these servings 3 ways
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8 oz of tart cherry juice
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2 Tablespoons of cherry concentrate
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2 Tablespoons of cherry concentrate + 8oz water
Here is an easy recipe using Tart cherry juice. Since peaches are in season and Alabama happens to have some of the best peaches in the country grown in Chilton County, I made this smoothie. Down here, we love our cobblers and pies in the summer when fruit is plentiful and ripe. One of the most common pies for summer is a cherry peach pie. I used the flavors of this Southern favorite in an easy-to-make smoothie.
Cherry Peach Pie Smoothie
Ingredients:
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8 oz Tart cherry juice.
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1 medium peach
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6 oz peach yogurt
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2 teaspoons apple pie spice (combination of cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, allspice)
Directions:
Peel and cut peaches into large pieces. Add to a blender. Add yogurt, juice and spice. Blend until desired consistency. Serve immediately. Makes 1 large smoothie.
For more information about the 7-Day Tart Cherry Juice Challenge, and The Cherry Marketing Institute, check out the following links.
Website: http://www.choosecherries.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChooseCherries
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChooseCherries
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/choosecherries
Tart Cherry Pecan Bars
Tuesday 19th of August 2014
[…] enjoy tart cherry juice in smoothies and protein shakes like the my peach pie smoothie. I also like eating dried tart cherries. I decided to create this chewy granola bar as a perfect […]
Sandra Laflamme
Friday 1st of August 2014
Love the combination! Peaches and cherries are so yummy together!
Katrina
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
Thank you!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
Friday 1st of August 2014
I love cherries!
Katrina
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
You would love these tart cherries. They are so good in protein bars. I'm working on a new recipe for those. :)
Linz @ Itz Linz
Friday 1st of August 2014
cherry peach pie?! sounds like a fabulous combination!
Katrina
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
It was outstanding! Thanks!