This post is sponsored by the Cherry Marketing Institute, who represents America’s tart cherry growers and processors. Thank you for supporting companies I believe in and allowing me to create more unique content for you!

I’d like to consider myself a runner. I don’t run for speed or time, while I do get excited when I accomplish a personal goal (like that one random day when I ran a half marathon with Liam). I run to keep myself healthy and to burn off stress!

I’ve been running for almost 10 years now…sheesh, that’s a lot of miles! And throughout my running journey, I’ve learned a few things:

• Stretching after a run is essential and just as much a part of the workout as the actual work out. Don’t want any injuries!
• Keeping hydrated before, during and after a run is important…especially while pregnant!
• Continuing to stay motivated to get outside and run and to also continue running during the workout is key. I keep a calendar, where I mark off when I exercise and how much I run. This keeps me accountable and consistent.
• Invest in good tools. Do your research on the correct running shoes and splurge if necessary. For women, invest in a good sports bra. Also, find some cute shorts and shirts to keep you looking great and feeling great for your runs!

With all of that said, the most important part is your recovery. I tend to run in the mornings, which means I need a healthy balanced diet for lunch, usually consisting of protein and vegetables. Lately, my lunch of choice has been this cherry chicken salad!

All of the flavors in every bite is just amazing. It’s cold, spicy, sweet, tarty, crunchy and creamy. It’s perfect the lunch, appetizer or even snack! I put it on a bed of lettuce, endive, sandwich bread or even eat it by itself. It’s that good!

Perfect recovery meal…and I’ll tell you why.

You can actually prepare for your recovery before you even exercise, not only from hydrating during the day before exercising, but also in the nutrition you consume. This will prepare you for a great workout and quick recovery.

You see, soreness after a workout is caused by a combination of inflammation, muscle damage and oxidative stress – and researchers suggest the concentration of anthocyanins in tart cherries may help with all three when consumed prior to working out, as well as after. Some sports nutritionists suggest using tart cherry juice as a “precovery” drink for the most effectiveness.

If you forget to try some tart cherry juice prior to your workout, don’t forget to try by drinking a glass of tart cherry juice within 30 minutes after workouts, or carry some dried tart cherries in your workout bag! You can also swap the tart cherry juice for your O.J. in the morning, or make a pre-workout smoothie with tart cherry juice, frozen tart cherries and Greek yogurt.

See! This chicken salad is the perfect pre or post workout fuel! Yay tart cherries and protein!

Easy peasy and you’ll be on your way to a quick recovery!

Cherry Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, boiled and shredded
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup non-fat greek yogurt

How-To

1. Mix all ingredients together and enjoy on salad or sandwich bread.

This post has been sponsored by the Cherry Marketing Institute. I received compensation for this post and all opinions are my own. Please read my disclosure policy for further information.