10 Powerful Red Combinations for Pain Management

Tart cherries are available as dried, frozen and juice, so they are extremely versatile and always available, making them the ideal power food to bring with you anytime, anywhere, for any exercise occasion.

• Dried cherries make a good grab-and-go snack
• Try the Power Berry Trail Mix Energy Cookie with dried cherries, flaxseed, oats and almonds
• Add dried cherries to a bowl of whole grain oatmeal for a breakfast boost
• Create a quick yogurt parfait with vanilla yogurt, granola and dried cherries, like the RedEye Breakfast Parfait
• Enjoy a Cherry Oatmeal Muffin for a breakfast or afternoon snack
• Add dried cherries to a fresh spinach salad with walnuts for a light post-exercise meal
• Stir up whole grain couscous with grilled chicken, dried cherries and a splash of cherry juice for added flavor
• Rehydrate and refresh with the Red Alert, a mix of cherry juice and coconut water, a natural isotonic known for its hydration benefits
• Recharge with the Red Recharger Smoothie, a triple hit of cherries, antioxidants, and protein
• Pack a powerful gym bag with a single-serve bottle of 100% cherry juice or a cherry juice blend

Cherries. A Nutrition Powerhouse

Cherries powerful package of antioxidants and phytonutrients delivers:

• Anthocyanins – Unique antioxidants that are responsible for cherries’ deep red color…and for the fruit’s anti-inflammatory benefits. Researchers suggests cherries may work like common pain medications used by athletes to reduce post-exercise muscle soreness.
• Melatonin – a potent antioxidant that may help improve the body’s natural sleep patterns. Health and wellness experts agree that how long and how well you sleep may impact overall quality of your training.
• Other antioxidants – cherries contain at least 17 antioxidants, including powerful antioxidants egallic acid, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol and quercetin, an antioxidant that may help boost immunity…keeping your training schedule on track.
• Essential nutrients – cherries are a good source of vitamin A (beta carotene) and also contain fiber.

Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., R.D. LDN, CSSD

A nationally-recognized sports dietitian, Leslie Bonci is the Director of Sports Nutrition in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Center for Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Bonci is a board certified specialist in Sports Nutrition and consults with the WNBA and NCAA. Bonci has also contributed to the ADA sports nutrition manual and is a veteran textbook author.