Cherry Vanilla Smoothie for Muscle Recovery
This antioxidant-rich smoothie combines tart cherries and high-quality protein to reduce inflammation and accelerate muscle repair after intense workouts. Naturally sweet and creamy, it's a refreshing recovery drink that tastes like a vanilla cherry milkshake.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups frozen dark sweet cherries pitted
- 1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder approximately 25-30g protein
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 0.5 cup Greek yogurt plain and non-fat for extra protein
- 1 tbsp chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids
- 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic profile
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon to help regulate blood sugar
- 1 handful ice cubes optional for a thicker consistency
Notes
For maximum anti-inflammatory benefits, use frozen tart cherries (Montmorency) if available. To make this ahead of time, blend all ingredients except ice and store in an airtight thermos for up to 4 hours. You can substitute almond milk with oat milk for a creamier texture or coconut water for added electrolytes.