Early morning workouts and lack of light here are really messing with my photography. I was debating on not sharing this one but after two not so photogenic shakes I decided to post it anyways. Might not look so pretty but it is very delicious!
Cherries are great for a post workout smoothies. Tart cherries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce muscle damage, and help speed up the recovery of muscle function. I add them often in my post workout shakes but not only because they are good for recovery but because they are delicious. I love a chocolate cherry shake/smoothie, here are a couple I have posted! I have this funny thing where when it looks better it tastes better, well in some cases because you can have a smeared mess of peanut butter and or chocolate and it is still looks delicious to me! I wrote the recipe how I made it as shown in the photo but feel free to just blend in the cherries and chia gel into your green smoothie. I also do it separate as I like the two flavor profiles.
Cherry Chia Bottom Green Protein Shake
Makes 1 serving
1/2c pitted tart cherries, extra for topping if desired (used frozen cherries, thawed)
1 TBSP organic chia seeds
2 TBSP water
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (used Vega One French Vanilla, could also use Vega Performance Protein or Protein Smoothie depending on needs)
1 c almond or non dairy milk of choice (used So Delicious Unsweetened Almond Milk Plus, for added protein)
2 big handfuls of organic greens (used Earthbound Farms Organic Power Green Blend)
2 tsp gelatinized maca, optional (Navitas Naturals)
1/2 frozen banana and or ice
In a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, blend together cherries and water. In a glass mix together chia seeds and blended cherries and set aside for 5-10 minutes until thickened. This can be done ahead of time as well and kept in the refrigerator. In a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, blend together almond milk, protein powder, greens, maca, banana, and ice until smooth. Pour green smoothie over set cherry chia gel. Top with cherries if desired. Enjoy!
As a Vega Recipe Ambassador I receive Vega products, which I used as an option in this recipe. I use Vega not because it is given to me but because it has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging and some recipes are made with Vega products I purchase. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family.