Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie

This Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie is the perfect post-workout smoothie, loaded with antioxidants, sore muscle fighters, plus carbs and protein to help replenish your energy levels post-workout.

Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, Grain Free

My baby girl turns 2 next week, so in her honor I created an Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie! Now you may be thinking… why does a 2 year old need an anti-inflammatory smoothie? She doesn’t!

But Sage loves everything pink (don’t even try to get her dressed in her cousin’s hand me downs that aren’t pink!), and it just so happens the ingredients that give this PINK SMOOTHIE its vibrant color are anti-inflammatory and healing after working out, so I had to share!

Plus, it’s a delicious combination that tastes like a cherry creamsicle, if you will.

Unfortunately, my baby girl also doesn’t love fruit, so she only took one sip of this smoothie, but I’m still working on it! Even the color couldn’t win her over!

This Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie is…

• Easy to make in the blender
• Packed with antioxidants
• Such a gorgeous color
• Loaded with fiber, protein and healthy fats
• A balanced smoothie
• Made with just 5 ingredients

I touted this as a post-workout smoothie because this recipe contains not only 1, not 2, but 3 anti-inflammatory sore muscle fighters:

1. Dark cherries
2. Beets
3. Flaxseed

Learn more below…

But first, what actually is INFLAMMATION?

Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in your body in response to trauma, illness, or infection. For example, when you cut your finger and it becomes red around the area, that’s an inflammatory process to support healing.

Another example of inflammation that can occur is from hard workouts. You essentially damage your muscles while exercising and that causes an acute inflammatory reaction. Your body then needs proper nourishment and support to heal and minimize the inflammation in your muscles.

However, when you have too much outside stress on your body, that can cause too much inflammation in the body. “Oxidative stress” can occur from exposure to environmental toxins, pollution, illness, excessive (and I mean excessive – not just a little!) amounts of sugar, and more.

Your body has natural processes to minimize inflammation, but eating a diet rich in antioxidants helps. This smoothie is packed with antioxidants to help neutralize “oxidative stress.”

Ingredients You’ll Need to make this Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie

You’ll need 5 ingredients to make this delicious smoothie, including:

1. Frozen cherries
2. Steamed beets
3. Vanilla Greek yogurt
4. Ground flaxseed
5. Milk of choice

Frozen cherries are one of the most underrated frozen foods, in my opinion. First of all, they’re delicious straight-up, out of the bag. Perfect for a sweet tooth on a hot day. Kinda like frozen grapes vibes, but so much better!

Frozen cherries are also loaded with antioxidants. 

Beets are another anti-inflammatory powerhouse that’s loaded with antioxidants, like betalains. Studies show that beets also help reduce post-workout muscle soreness, plus have wide-ranging health effects from reducing the risk of some cancers, heart and brain diseases, plus even support against liver and kidney damage.

Beets have a very earthy taste, which is why the other ingredients were carefully chosen to accompany them in this smoothie.

Vanilla Greek yogurt adds protein and a hint of sweetness to this smoothie. You can use plain Greek yogurt, but I think that leaves the smoothie a little too earthy.

A note about added sugar

Yes, we want to minimize added sugar for our health. But NOT at the expense of satisfaction. When I first tested this smoothie recipe I used plain Greek yogurt. The smoothie wasn’t that enjoyable to drink because it tasted a bit too earthy for me. I ended up adding a bunch of honey (which is still added sugar). 

As a result, to simplify the ingredient list I just used vanilla Greek yogurt, which already has added sugar in it so I don’t need to take another ingredient out of the pantry.

If you’re nervous to add added sugar in your diet, remember it’s the sum of your diet that really matters. If you’re not satisfied, your eating pattern won’t be sustainable anyways!

Ground flaxseed adds omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats to sustain you fullness for a few hours. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce post-workout

Last, you’ll add your favorite milk of choice. To boost your protein opt for dairy milk, soy milk or a pea-protein milk, like Ripple. Of course, you can add any milk you have.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make an Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie

You only need 1 tool to make this smoothie: a blender!

I have this Vitamix that I’ve used for years, but you can use any blender you have. 

How to Make this Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie

It’s super simple to make a smoothie, but there is an art to making the perfect smoothie.

The secret to the creamiest smoothie is to put the milk in first. This ensures even and smooth blending.

If you’d like to add protein powder to boost the protein even more, add it with the milk and blend first. THEN add the other ingredients and continue blending until the smoothie is smooth and no chunks remain.

For a thicker smoothie that’s more spoonable than sip-able, use less liquid (milk).

Other Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love to Try:

• Green Smoothie 
• Strawberry Pink Smoothie
• Creamy Berry Smoothie
• Banana-Free Smoothies

Is this a Balanced Smoothie Recipe?

YES! There’s a misconception about smoothies that they’re all healthy, nourishing, and will keep you full, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Every smoothie on my website is specifically designed to be balanced with protein, carbs, and fats to keep you full for hours.

How is this anti-inflammatory cherry smoothie balanced?

• It contains CHERRIES + BEETS for CARBS. It’s a double bonus that these are also packed with antioxidants!
• Greek yogurt is the main PROTEIN in this smoothie. If you use dairy milk or soy milk you’ll also add protein from the milk. One cup of Greek yogurt in this smoothie contains 24 grams of protein.
• Ground flaxseed adds FAT. Specifically, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are also anti-inflammatory.

Want to learn more about building a balanced smoothie? Check out this blog post!

Want more balanced recipes?

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Don’t Forget to PIN this Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Smoothie

XO