Source: www.grindtv.com - Monday, January 04, 2016 Athletes are often adventurous when it comes to experimenting with weird or wild foods to fuel their bodies and sports. In fact, some are rather fanatical about whipping up power-packed concoctions pre- and post-workout. But let’s face it, shakes and bars get boring. Here are a few surprising natural fruits, veggies and ancient grains that could shake you out of a fitness-food funk while helping with muscle damage, cramps, endurance and more. Tart cherries: Recovery aid Colorful tart cherries pack a powerful punch for recovering muscles. Photo: Courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute Montmorency tart cherries are bright red for a reason. The stunning color comes from the fruit’s concentration of anthocyanins, a type of phytonutrient thought to help reduce muscle damage and strength loss, essentially acting as a recovery aid after intense exercise. “Weekend warriors and exercise enthusiasts, like myself, are looking for more natural food sources to aid recovery,” nutritionist and acclaimed running and triathlon coach Matt Fitzgerald , who has incorporated Montmorency tart cherry juice into his routine, told GrindTV. “I add Montmorency tart cherry juice, frozen tart cherries and Greek yogurt to my pre-workout smoothie and drink the second serving as soon as I get home. “Studies have shown that cyclists and marathon runners who drink two 8-ounce servings of tart cherry juice daily had accelerated recovery, reduction of exercise-i All Related
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