Pineapple Tart Cherry Bone & Joint Care Smoothie

The weather is warming up, and so is my appetite for knocking out some intense outdoor workouts and refueling my efforts with a flavorful yet functional smoothie – my Pineapple Tart Cherry Ginger Smoothie for Joint and Bone Care is a favorite for a bevy of reasons.

This anti-inflammatory Pineapple Tart Cherry Ginger smoothie provides joint and bone care thanks to bevvy of functional foods and boosters! Pineapple and tart cherry are great foods for combating inflammation – plus, I’ve incorporated three key bone and joint care supplements from including collagen peptides, liquid hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin D-3 drops!

Obviously, this anti-inflammation pineapple smoothie going to taste great, naturally sweetened with fruit. It also is made with whole fruits/veggies rather than juice, to offer more nutrients like fiber. This anti-inflammatory smoothie is also “light” enough to be tolerated well (and only about 200 calories) if eating a lot after exercise is unappealing – yet offers carbs, protein and other nutrients needed to top off your tank and set workout recovery in motion. One of the biggest perks of this pineapple cherry smoothie is that it’s filled with functional foods (and supplements) that help support healthy bones and joints. 

Let me give you a run down on the beneficial foods in this anti-inflammatory shake that includes bone and joint supplements:

Pineapple: Pineapple adds natural sweetness and is known for the enzyme Bromelain which is found in the flesh and stem. Some research indicates bromelain may be helpful in the management of osteoarthritis and/or for muscle soreness and injury after exercise. It also helps break down proteins and aids in digestion.

Tart Cherries:  Tart cherries (also called Montmorency cherries) add tangy, sweet flavor and have been shown to minimize arthritis pain and postexercise muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. These benefits have been noted for both strength and endurance athlete, according to research.

Ginger: Ginger adds zing to any fruit or green smoothie and research shows may help lessen the stiffness and joint discomfort associated with arthritis. Ginger may also may reduce the amount and length of exercise-related  muscle soreness. Ginger is also an easy home remedy for nausea and digestion which can be perks for hard summer workouts.

Cucumbers: Blending cucumbers into smoothies is a smart way to boost hydration (95% water) and add low-carb “volume” to balance out the fruit sugars from pineapple and cherries.  Cucumbers are also a good source of Vitamins A, B and C; and contain phytonutrients that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Almond Milk: Just like its core ingredient, almond milk is laden with nutrients which are great for joint, bone and overall health – and helps avoid diary which may be an inflammation trigger for some.  Magnesium, one of the minerals found in almonds and almond milk, also plays a role in the structural development of bone.

save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off
Save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off

Collagen Peptides: Collagen peptides from types 1 and 3 bovine collagen are well-known for their roles in bone, joint and skin health. * As the most abundant protein in mammals, collagen makes up about 30% of the body’s protein. Studies indicate that hydrolyzed collagen may help to support strong bones and healthy joints as well as skin smoothness and hydration.*  I also like to include collagen in my post-workout smoothies because each serving gives me about 10g of additional protein I need in my day.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid is a joint-lubricating compound present in every tissue of the body, with the highest concentrations found in connective tissues such as skin and cartilage.* As a constituent of joint fluid, hyaluronic acid serves as a lubricant and plays a role in resisting compressive forces.* The liquid Hyaluronic Acid formula combines this critical joint component with Vitamin D and other important nutrients for the support of optimal joint health and is berry-flavored making it a yummy boost for this anti-inflammatory smoothie.

Vitamin D-3: NOW® Vitamin D-3 Extra Strength in liquid drop form is a quick and easy way to get this important nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties to support immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity. Many of us find ourselves low in Vitamin D due to purposefully-avoided sun exposure or diet challenges (Vitamin D isn’t naturally found in many foods), these extra-strength liquid format offers 1000 IU per drop!

This anti-inflammatory Pineapple Tart Cherry Ginger smoothie provides joint and bone care thanks to bevvy of functional foods and boosters! Pineapple and tart cherry are great foods for combating inflammation – plus, I’ve incorporated three key bone and joint care supplements from including collagen peptides, liquid hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin D-3 drops!
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PINEAPPLE TART CHERRY GINGER SMOOTHIE for Joint and Bone Health
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: inflammation, protein smoothie, workout
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 202 kcal
Ingredients
  • ½ cup chopped fresh pineapple
  • ½ cup frozen tart cherries
  • ½ cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
  • 3 tablespoons collagen peptide powder, unsweetened
  • 1 tablespoon liquid hyaluronic acid from NOW Foods* or other brand
  • 2 to 5 drops Liquid Extra-Strength Vitamin D-3 from Now Foods* or other brand
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 5 to 15 drops liquid stevia or monk fruit drops to desired level of sweetness
  • Ices as needed
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to blender and process until smooth. Pour in tall glass and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

How to Make Canned Soup More Nutritious – Easy Health Boosts!

This post in sponsored by Now Foods. However, all content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own. This post also contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting amazing companies that stand behind The Fit Fork.

December is always a hectic time of year for me. This year it’s been compounded by extra worries and stress, and likely for you too! I am constantly reminding myself that eating well by focusing on nourishing food (and not just holiday junk) is so important for my sports performance and overall well-being.Easy Upgrades to Make Canned Soup More Nutritiious

 

It may sound almost contradictory, but I like to stock my pantry with canned soups ensure that I have a healthy, quick meal just minutes away, no matter what. No shame in the canned soup game, read on to find out some easy nutrition boosts for canned soup – and any other type of shelf-stable convenience soup from carton, jar, or pouch.

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Dairy-free, table-sugar free, gluten-free and perfectly sized to feed a big family and also fantastic for meal prepping –  cut into single servings and pop in the freezer until needed. Continue reading

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This post is sponsored by NOW Foods, however all content, opinions, advice and enthusiasm remain my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support The Fit Fork.

Most of us don’t get enough dietary fiber from the daily foods we eat and following a low-carb diet makes the task even more challenging.  While experts recommend consuming approximately  21 to 25 grams (women) to 30 to 38 grams (men) of fiber a day from a variety of foods, the typical American averages just 15 grams — and “low carb-ers” even less! High Fiber Low Carb Salad with avocado, raspberries, blackberries, chia seeds, almonds and pistachios.

Eliminating whole grains, legumes, most fruits, many vegetables and other sources of carbohydrates can make meeting dietary fiber goals difficult. But, if you choose the right low-carb high-fiber foods, you can be well on your way to a daily fiber gold star – and get to eat a few unexpected things in the process (like this beautiful salad that I calculated to meet MY needs with about 3/4 the daily fiber requirement just for 12g net carb)! Read on to discover how easy it is to ramp up your roughage with these 10 High Fiber Foods for Low Carb Diets.

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Grilled Steak Kebabs with Blue Cheese & Date Drizzle

Grilling season is heating up and since I’ve already served up most of my tried-and-true beef grilling recipes by July, I decided to play around with some beef flavor pairings.

Steak Kebabs with Blue Cheese & Date Drizzle

And, voila, an easy, but deliciously bold, recipe for Steak Kebabs with Blue Cheese & Date Drizzle was born! Read on for all the sizzling details. Continue reading