cheribundi BLOG

Cacao Cherry - New Decadent Indulgence Perfect for the Health-Conscious Valentine!

2012-02-14T11:06:00.000-08:00

Cheribundi Tart Cherry Juice Launches New Flavor: Cacao Cherry

Just in time for Valentine's Day, we have a new flavor to add to our delicious lineup of cherry juice drinks; a slightly decadent Cacao Cherry. Perfect for the healthy Valentine, this tasty new flavor remains the all-natural drink that retains all the power and antioxidants of tart cherries, yet tastes like a chocolate cherry treat.

For nutritious conscious Valentine’s looking to celebrate the holiday while hoping to avoid any dietary disasters, Cacao Cherry satisfies the sweet tooth craving while providing a combination that is wholesome, sweet, tart and healthy simultaneously. It’s all the allure and indulgence of chocolate without the guilt of a candy bar.

Another new flavor to the Cheribundi line up will be a snappy Ginger Cherry. Ginger Cherry is another fragrant and invigorating flavor. Ginger itself can be a pain reliever, but with the additive boost of nutrients and antioxidants from tart cherries, Ginger Cherry Juice becomes a powerful and remedial beverage. Ginger Cherry will also be available this fall nationwide.

Consuming foods high in antioxidant capacity has been in the spotlight now for the last few years and the enthusiasm for tart cherry juice is hitting an all-time high, thanks to proponents like Dr. Mehmet Oz, NCAA and professional athletes, the running/marathon community, the gluten-free movement and millions of health-conscious consumers to newly discover the juice. Studies have shown that the benefits of antioxidants from tart cherries apply to virtually all the major systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system, immune system and neurons in the brain.

About Cheribundi

Cheribundi, the most widely distributed brand in fresh cherry juice, was first created by food scientists at Cornell University who not only uncovered the benefits of tart cherries, but also developed a proprietary juicing process so all the cherry-goodness and nutrients could be delivered in a great tasting juice. There are now five flavors of Cheribundi: Tru Cherry, the original juice packed with the juice of 50 cherries, Skinny Cherry which has all the powerful nutrients and benefits of the original juice, but fewer calories and is sweetened with all-natural Stevia, Whey Cherry, with 8 g of whey protein in 8 oz of juice providing the proper mix of carbohydrate and protein for maximal repair and recovery and now Cacao Cherry and Ginger Cherry.

New Scientific Report Spotlights Tart Cherries as Today's Hottest Super Fruit

2012-02-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

More Than 50 Scientific Studies Support the Power of RED

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/

Once known only for its pie persona, tart cherries have emerged as one of today's hottest Super Fruits, with leading health and trends experts buzzing about the fruit's promising benefits. Today, with the help of leading health expert Dr. Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RD, the cherry industry launched The Red Report, a new look at the power of tart cherries, featuring more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific studies on tart cherries.

One of tart cherries' key claims to fame is their powerhouse of antioxidants. According to top trend forecasters, antioxidants remain a top indicator of health-promoting foods, with nine (93%) out of 10 adults aware of antioxidants, and one-third (31%) are making a strong effort to consume more.(1,2) Tart cherries have among the highest levels of antioxidants of other super foods, ranking 14 in the top 50 for highest antioxidant content per serving size, according to a recent study.(3-7) And, tart cherries have as many, if not more, antioxidants than many other fruits.(5,8)

"The power of this Super Fruit is clear, and what's so remarkable is how far tart cherries have come over the last few years," said Dr. Bazilian, author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients. "For example, the fruit has long been believed to have pain relief benefits, and today, there's a strong and significant body of evidence backing that up. I love when modern science confirms what people have anecdotally known and experienced for decades."

"Beyond their health benefits, tart cherries are shaping today's key health and nutrition trends, called out in some of the latest reports as 'the' Super Fruit to watch," added Dr. Bazilian. Currently, nine in 10 adults (91%) think it's very important to get their nutrients from foods that are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, with vitamin A a key nutrient in demand.(9) Tart cherries contain 19 times more vitamin A than blueberries or strawberries.

The Science Behind the Power of Red

Anthocyanins are the key antioxidant compound in tart cherries, responsible for the fruit's bright red color. In fact, tart cherries contain significantly more anthocyanins than other fruits, including sweet cherries.(10,11) A growing body of research has linked the anthocyanins in tart cherries to reduced inflammation, at levels comparable to some well-known pain medication.(10, 12) This inflammatory benefit is likely behind cherries' ability to reduce risk for arthritis and gout, promote cardiovascular health and most recently, to aid muscle recovery and reduce oxidative stress in athletes. The Red Report is the first compilation to include the latest research supporting tart cherries' exercise recovery and pain relief benefits. Key highlights include:

Recent research published in the American College of Sports Medicine's journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise revealed that tart cherries could help athletes reduce muscle damage to recover faster from a tough workout.(13)

Other research supports the pain relief benefits of incorporating tart cherries in a training routine. In one study, runners who drank cherry juice twice a day for seven days prior to and on the day of a long-distance relay had significantly less muscle pain following the race.(14)

Increasingly, sports nutritionists and endurance athletes are following The Red Recovery Routine at www.choosecherries.com , designed to support athletic performance and recovery with a focus on tart cherries ability to reduce exercise-induced inflammation.

While researchers continue to explore the benefits of tart cherries, The Red Report also gives a nod to tart cherries' emerging benefits, including preliminary research linking tart cherry juice to improvements in sleep patterns.

Why Go Red Instead?

Available every day of the year in dried, frozen and juice forms, and versatile enough to include in any dish, tart cherries can be a powerful way to boost fruit intake and meet current dietary recommendations of two daily fruit servings. In fact, experts suggest that 1-2 servings of cherries daily can help provide some of the health benefits identified in the research.

"Now more than ever there's good reason to choose cherries," said Dr. Bazilian. "With just one in five adults eating enough fruit each day, it's my goal as a doctor of public health and dietitian to encourage people to add a variety of fruits to their diets and specifically think about form and color to help guide their fruit intake."

In addition to being a versatile Super Fruit, "tart cherries have that unique sweet-tart taste that people are seeking," added Dr. Bazilian. According to the IFIC Foundation 2011 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes Toward Food Safety, Nutrition & Health, taste remainsthe top driver of America's food decisions making it essential to findgreat-tasting fruit options. Tangy and sour flavors are quickly becoming two of America's favorite flavors, ranking among the top ten.(15)

For more information on the science supporting the unique health benefits of cherries and for cherry recipes and menu ideas, visit www.choosecherries.com.

Press Release from the Cherry Marketing Institute
Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-scientific-report-spotlights-tart-cherries-as-todays-hottest-super-fruit-138925049.html

Tart Cherries and a Healthy Heart

2012-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Along with boasting Valentine’s Day and National Cherry Month, February is also Heart Health Awareness Month. This is quite the coincidence because the latest studies confirm that tart cherries reduce inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease. And with more than 80 million Americans living with some form of heart disease, the heart-healthy qualities of this homegrown super fruit are more relevant than ever.

Heart health starts with a well balanced diet and daily exercise, which both help to prevent the symptoms associated with heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. But to maintain life-long heart health, taking extra precautions and dietary measures are important, and tart cherries have you covered!

The main reason we can attribute tart cherries to heart health is their ability to reduce inflammation. The latest research conducted by the University of Michigan revealed that a cherry-enriched diet may help lower body fat, total weight, inflammation and cholesterol – which are other major risk factors for heart disease. While inflammation is a normal process the body uses to fight off infection or injury, according to recent science, a chronic state of inflammation could increase the risk for diseases and may be especially common for those who are overweight or obese, at least in part because of excess weight around the middle. Cherries contain special antioxidants, known as anthocyanins, which help the body reduce inflammation and repair inflamed tissues. (ChooseCherries.com)

Additionally, a growing body of science reveals tart cherries (enjoyed as dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice) have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate. Part of this is attributed to science that links cherries’ red color (provided by the fruit’s powerful antioxidants) to heart-health benefits related to reducing inflammation and total cholesterol. (FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org)

So this Febrary, celebrate National Cherry Month and Hearth Health Awareness Month with a healthy diet, exercise, and delicious Cheribundi tart cherry juice!

For more information on cardiovascular/heart health, visit the American Heart Association Web site at www.americanheart.org.

Tart Cherries Named One of 2012's Trendiest Health Foods

2012-01-27T13:15:00.000-08:00

What do chia seeds, protein powder, black lentils and tart cherries have in common? They all made the list for top foods trends to hit in 2012.

Joy Bauer, nutrition expert on The Today Show, looks into her ‘culinary crystal ball’ and sees tart cherries as a major player in the health food realm for more reasons than one!

Tart cherries (aka sour cherries) are the next superfruit to follow goji berries and acai — and, unlike exotic fruits, most are grown right here in America! New studies suggest that just 2 tablespoons of concentrated tart cherry juice a day (or a handful of dried tart cherries) can help athletes relieve aches and pains after a workout and speed muscle recovery. In addition, there's preliminary evidence that tart cherries may also help with arthritis and possibly even reduce gout attacks (the more common sweet cherries may have similar benefits, but the research so far has been done only on the tart variety). That's because tart cherries are especially rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and reduce oxidative damage in muscle tissue. Fresh are in season only for a short time in certain parts of the country, but they're available year-round frozen, dried, or as juice.

Source: http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/2012s-trendiest-health-foods/Tart-Cherries.aspx

Tart Cherry Juice & Melatonin - Your Beauty Rest Secret

2012-01-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

From HUFFPOST STYLE

No matter what makeup you put on, how you do your hair or what clothes you wear, none of it will look good unless you get your beauty sleep. So is melatonin the answer to waking up gorgeous? Here are some quick facts:

Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, which is found at the base of the brain, helps control other hormones as well as control the body's clock or circadian rhythms. In other words, it helps regulate when you snooze and when you wake up -- and your levels are affected by light exposure. Our bodies produce more melatonin in the dark (ie. typically when we are asleep) and less in light, so as you may already know, jet lag and shift work can throw off your melatonin levels.

Available in supplements, it is often recommended as a sleep aid for those who suffer from insomnia or to reduce the symptoms of jet lag. Studies from the University of Granada in Spain have found that this natural hormone works better at promoting sleep than somniferous medications.

Melatonin, which is also an antioxidant, can also be found in foods. Small amounts can be found in oats, rice and sweet corn, and in smaller amounts in foods such as bananas, tomatoes, ginger and barley. Drinking tart cherry juice may be the natural sleep potion of choice as it contains a significant quantity of melatonin. One study, published in 2011 in the European Journal of Nutrition, found that drinking two glasses of the juice helped people sleep 39 minutes more than those who did not drink the tart cherry juice (not to mention the juice drinkers experienced six percent better sleep efficiency, that is, more time sleeping than awake while in bed). And in study from 2010 published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, drinking the beverage helped alleviate insomnia symptoms and cut the time spent awake after going to bed by 17 minutes.

Besides promoting more sleep, there is also some evidence that melatonin can slow down the aging process. In a study published in the journal PloS One, researchers in France found that in tests on a small mammal (an animal called the Greater White-toothed shrew), giving the animal melatonin delayed the signs of aging typically present at 12 months of age by three months -- a significant time period given the animal's average lifespan.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/01/23/melatonin-sleeping-aid_n_1210954.html

The Benefits of Tart Cherries are Endless

2012-01-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

Forget the goji berries, pomegranate, and acai berry for now.

This year, with all the rising costs in the supermarket, we are leaning toward the more familiar fruit, tart cherries, for top nutrition.

Their rich, red flesh boasts plenty of antioxidants and is comparable to blueberries.

Tart Cherry Health Benefits

Reduced cancer risk: Cherries contain the anthocyanin, the main antioxidant found in red, blue, and purple foods.
Anti-aging: Contain flavanoid antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress.
Lower risk factors for heart disease: Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Reduced inflammation and pain: If cherries were able to be used medicinally, they could have the same effect as aspirin.
Reduced symptoms felt with gout and arthritis: The anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherries reduce joint pain.
Calming and improved sleep: Cherries contain melatonin which can have a relaxing effect and regulate the body's circadian rhythm.
Good fruit for diabetics: On the glycemic index, cherries are rated at 22 (low). This means they are less likely to cause a fast blood glucose spike.

Research

The good news is that most researchers have seen outstanding benefits with consumption of just 20 cherries or about 1.5 cups per day!

For other super foods, you often have to eat cups and cups of that food to see any health improvement.

Cherry Recipe Ideas

Healthy cherry cobbler made with a nut crust
Add tart cherry juice to your favorite juicer or smoothie recipe
Add to oatmeal
Add to a quinoa dish
Stew the cherries with balsamic vinegar, and serve over yogurt
Create a cherry sauce to serve over chicken or fish
Chop a cherry salsa to serve with whole grain crackers

Source:

"Tart Cherries: Should They be Mandatory?", Nicole German, www.diet-blog.com.

6 Healthy (and Cherry-licious) Swaps for 2012

2012-01-13T09:25:00.000-08:00

With the New Year underway, many of us have vowed to integrate healthier foods into our diets as part of our resolutions for 2012. Changing the way we eat is a process – and a lifestyle change more than just going on a diet. It’s about understanding how the choices we make affect our bodies and how we feel, and then committing to making a change.

Easier said than done!

Here's a list of healthy swaps - things in your normal, everyday diet or routine that can be easily swapped for something more nutritious and less processed – the 2012 food trend, tart cherries!

The benefits of tart cherries continue to reveal themselves. From high levels of antioxidants to naturally occurring melatonin to anti-inflammatory components, tart cherries do the trick in a wholesome way. You’ll be surprised to find that these superfuits have you covered in more ways than one:

1) Instead of a chocolate dessert, try Cheribundi Cacao Cherry - slightly decadent, but full of the tart cherry goodness.

2) Skip sugary sodas and enjoy Cheribundi Tru Cherry with sparkling water to get your “fizz fix.”

3) Sleeping pills have a risk of dependency. Dose off naturally with the help of tart cherry juice, just 8 ounces before bed gives you 39 extra minutes of sleep and a 6% boost in sleep efficiency.

4) Instead of reaching for the aspirin, reach for a glass of tart cherry juice, which has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe joint & muscle pain.

5) Swap out a milkshake full of calories and blend up a tart cherry smoothie rich in antioxidants.

6) There’s no need for a salty snack when you can munch on mixed nuts and dried cherries.

New Years Resolutions You Can Keep

2012-01-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

photo credit: thebqb.com

Achieving a weight-loss goal is the most popular new years resolution. And 2012 is no exception. For the industry, January means crowded gyms and a boost in sales for natural and healthy products. For us, this also means more frequent and amped-up exercise routines.

Weight-loss goals often start out lofty – we set huge goals that require an even bigger lifestyle change. We don’t realize that setting one goal subsequently and inherently leads to the need to change many different aspects of your life. It’s like a domino effect. All of a sudden, that one healthy new years resolution to lose weight means giving up a whole lot more and changing a whole lot more than you anticipated, and this is why such resolutions sometimes don’t stick. By Valentine’s Day, our habits get the best of us and we are just too overwhelmed.

Well, don’t lose hope yet. We came across a great blog post from the Rodale Institute, an organization dedicated to health, fitness, and well-being, that offered accessible suggestions to help you keep your resolutions and thrive.

Dr. Jeffrey Rossman explains that it is not a matter of having the intention, but rather the goal being unrealistic, where will-power and dedication just aren’t enough – you are already set up for failure just by the very nature of your goal.

The answer? S.M.A.R.T goals.

Follow this S.M.A.R.T criteria when setting your resolutions and you will have a kick-start to success!

Specific – be straightforward and definitive. Generalizations leave too much room for interpretation, especially during times when you lack motivation.

Measurable – give a number so you have something concrete to meet.

Attainable - know your own abilities and chose something that is in reach. You can always exceed your expectations, but falling short is discouraging.

Realistic – devise a plan for attaining your goal that works for you.

Timely – reinforce accountability by setting a timeline to reach your goal.

Now you are armed with the wisdom to devise your health goals. But leading a more active lifestyle brings a need to care for your body. When you feel good, it makes your workouts more enjoyable – and tart cherry juice is the perfect compliment.

The high levels of powerful antioxidants in tart cherry juice work to combat free radicals and thus slow the aging process. This means healthy skin, a healthy heart, and even healthy joints by reducing uric acid levels and swelling.

Due to their natural anti-inflammatory properties, tart cherries also helps soothe after-workout muscle pain. Studies show that by drinking tart cherry juice twice a day, runners and athletes had less soreness in their muscles and were able to recover more quickly.

And finally, sip on tart cherry juice to get the most out of your beauty rest. Tart cherries are the only fruit that contain naturally occurring melatonin – the hormone that sorts out our body’s sleep-wake cycle. You can get an average of 39 more minutes of sleep per night and a 6% boost in sleep efficiency. Less tossing and turning is always a good thing!

Happy New Year and Happy New You!

Sources:

choosecherries.com

healthrevelations.com

rodale.com

Sleep Better this Holiday Season with Tart Cherry Juice

2011-12-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

During this time of year we find ourselves busier than ever – whether it’s entertaining during holiday parties, playing host to out-of-town visitors, or shopping ‘til we drop for every last gift on the list – we can become exhausted and in need of sleep to replenish our energy and maintain our overall health.

We’re in luck! Scientific studies continue to emerge that show the benefits of tart cherry juice and its effect on sleep quality as well as duration.

Most recently, researchers at Northumbria University, whose findings were published in the European Journal of Nutrition, conducted a study where 20 participants were given two 30ml servings of the juice for seven days - once when they woke up and another before bed. The results were longer sleep time, less daytime napping and up to a 6 per cent increase in sleep efficiency. People who drank two glasses of tart cherry juice also had increased ‘sleep efficiency’ - the ratio of time spent in bed to time spent sleeping. They slept an average of 39 minutes longer.

Researcher Jason Ellis said, “When darkness falls, the body produces melatonin to signal it is time to sleep. The juice provides an additional service to what we already have to strengthen the internal signal of the body clock.

“It would definitely be beneficial to people with jet lag or coming off shift work -anywhere your internal clock has been fighting the external world.”

Why tart cherries? The Montmorency cherry (a type of tart cherry) naturally contains the hormone, melatonin, which is critical in regulating sleep-wake cycles. With the consumption of tart cherries, the body’s level of this powerful antioxidant increased significantly and thus affected sleep patterns in a gentle and natural way.

Sources:

http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/10656/2011/12/16/glass_cherry_juice_increase_sleep_time.html

http://www.naturalhealth365.com/nutrition/tart-cherry-juice-for-insomnia.html

The Cheribundi Process – Never from Concentrate, Always Orchard-Fresh

2011-12-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

100% juice

We all know that Cheribundi is not made from concentrate and instead uses a gentle juicing process that preserves nutrients, taste and freshness. But what exactly is the difference between not from concentrate (NFC) and from concentrate? And does it really make a difference?

The answer is YES! Juice that is not from concentrate makes a huge difference in terms of our health and here’s why:

The Difference:

“From concentrate” means that the water has been evaporated out of the juice by way of heat and pressure. The extracted and concentrated juice can then be frozen and transported until ready for packaging. Before the concentrated juice is packaged, it is reconstituted /rehydrated where not only water is added, but there is a possibility for sugar, preservative or flavoring to be added – such as juices termed “ juice beverage” or “juice cocktail.”

Just like fresh-squeezed juice “not from concentrate” is pure juice without added water, sugar or preservatives. The juice does goes through a flash pasteurization process, which kills bacteria right before packaging. Overall, it is a far less processed product that conserves the taste and nutritional components of the actual fruit.

The Cheribundi Process:

50 cherries per bottle -
not water and sugar!

Sometimes even the nutrients in NFC juice can be compromised in the pasteurization process, but that’s not the case with Cheribundi! Our juicing process was developed by Cornell University food scientists to capture as many of the nutrients found naturally in tart cherries as possible. This is achieved by a gentle juicing process that does not require super-high temperatures, meaning nutrients and flavor are sealed in, not boiled away.

What Does this Mean for Our Health?

Less processing means more available antioxidants and phytonutrients!

A general rule of thumb when it comes to understanding nutrient levels in our food is that the more something is processed, the less nutrition it contains for our body to absorb and use. This is because in the food industry“processing” means changing the food from its natural state and thus depleting its nutritional value – it’s no longer pure, fresh or natural.

Science has proven that tart cherries alone contain record amounts of antioxidants (anthocyanins), 19 times more beta-carotene than blueberries, along with vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, melatonin (the naturally occurring hormone that promotes sleep) and even dopamine (a chemical in your brain associated with pleasure, learning and motivation).

The antioxidants found in Cheribundi tart cherry juice fight free-radicals, which cause your cells to oxidize or age. By maintaining these antioxidant levels you can slow the aging process, boost your cardiovascular health, regulate healthy sleep patterns, prevent gout, soothe arthritis, and reduce muscle pain and inflammation.

Now, that’s a whole lot of nutritional value and antioxidant power that could be lost in other juicing processes!

Happy Thanksgiving from Cheribundi

2011-11-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is here! It's a wonderful time of year that is full of tradition, family, friends, eating, drinking and of course, giving thanks and gratitude for all that we have in our lives. The bustle of cooking and entertaining, along with the stress of the holiday season and pressure to shop till you drop can make it a challenge to find that moment to reflect on who or what we are grateful for.
Here is a guide to Thanksgiving to help you through one of the busiest weekends of the year!

Cherrified Recipe Idea:
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cherries & Cloves
From Epicurious.com

This quick and simple recipe with juicy cherries and fragrant cloves offers a new take on a traditional favorite that everyone will enjoy!

2 1/2 cups cherry cider or black cherry cider or cranberry juice cocktail
1 8-ounce package dried tart cherries (about 2 cups)
1 cup sugar
1 12-ounce package cranberries
1/4 teaspoon (generous) ground cloves

Bring cider to simmer in heavy, large saucepan. Remove from heat. Add cherries and let stand 8 minutes. Mix in sugar, then cranberries and cloves. Cook over medium-high heat until cranberries burst, stirring occasionally, about 9 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours (sauce will thicken as it cools). (Can be prepared 4 days ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)

Bonus idea: Cornbread Stuffing with Cherries

Regulate Stress with Tart Cherry Juice
From
Livestrong.com

Stress can get the best of us around the holiday season by affecting our mood and thus sleep quality. We now know that tart cherry juice is linked to dopamine production, which is a chemical is your brain that is associated with pleasure, reward, learning, motivation and motor control. A lack of this neurotransmitter may cause difficulty concentrating, loss of motor control, addiction, depression and cravings.
Insufficient sleep and too much stress can reduce your dopamine levels, but thankfully, some foods such as tart cherries can help naturally replenish your dopamine levels, boosting your mood and health.
One of the healthy nutrients that cherries contain is an amino acid called tyrosine, which your body needs in order to make enough dopamine.
Antioxidants also play an important role in this process. Dopamine is received by neuron receptors in your brain, but chemicals called free radicals can damage these neurons and thus interfere with dopamine use. The antioxidants found in tart cherries and other fruits and vegetables neutralize free radicals and allow your body to optimally use dopamine so that you can have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Small Business Saturday: Shop till you Drop…or Not!

First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, there's the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday, the day people support small businesses by pledging to Shop Small on Nov 26th.
Those hyped up sales are hard to resist, but this year, why not let go of the consumerism and participate in Small Business Saturday and shop close to home to support your local economy and community. The best part is, you don’t have to give up low prices - local stores will still have plenty of bargains to choose from.

The only things you’ll miss out on are the traffic and the crowds!

Learn more about the movement on a Facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday.

New Study Proves Cheribundi Tart Cherry Juice Aids Arthritis Of The Knee

2011-11-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

A new study has concluded that Cheribundi tart cherry juice is proven effective in symptom relief for patients with arthritis of the knee, it was announced today by Malachy McHugh PhD, Director of Research at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital and Dr. H. Ralph Schumacher of the VA Medical Center and University of Pennsylvania. The findings were published in the Official Journal of the American College of Rheumatology on November 9th.

For the double blind cross-over trial, a group of arthritis patients were given Cheribundi tart cherry juice as well a placebo for individual six week periods. The exciting results show that patients who drank two 8-ounce bottles of Cheribundi (tart cherry juice combined with apple juice to decrease tartness) each day for six weeks had improved WOMAC scores and had significantly decreased hsCRP levels (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). CRP is a systemic inflammatory marker and if patients had a significant drop in CRP while on the juice they had symptom relief. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) is a set of standardized questionnaires used by health professionals to evaluate the condition of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. It assesses the pain, joint stiffness, physical, social & emotional function of a person with osteoarthritis in determining the overall level of disability.

The same patients drinking the placebo received no symptom relief.

Announcing New Flavors: Cacao Cherry and Ginger Cherry

2011-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

Two tasty new flavors are joining the Cheribundi family and we can't wait for you to try them!

As of today, the decadent Cacao Cherry and snappy Ginger Cherry are available for purchase through our website as well as across 4,000 stores nationwide. The best part? These new flavors still uphold the Cheribundi promise of a fresh, all natural juice that is never from concentrate and still has all the power, antioxidants and phytonutrients of tart cherries.

Cacao Cherry enters the fold as a beverage that can be distinguished as a chocolate and cherry treat providing a combination that is wholesome, sweet, tart and healthy simultaneously. It’s all the allure and indulgence of chocolate without the guilt of a non-nutritious candy bar.

Ginger Cherry is another fragrant and invigorating flavor; Ginger itself can be a pain reliever, but with the additive boost of nutrients and antioxidants from tart cherries, Ginger Cherry Juice becomes a powerful and remedial beverage.

We are eager to know what you think of these exciting and delicious flavors from Cheribundi and hope you will share with us on our Facebook wall.
No matter what, we hope our product line continues to provide refreshing new twists on health-conscious cherry juice!

Halloween Detox in 5 Easy Steps

2011-11-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

From our friends at Mother Nature Network

Cherry Oatmeal from www.culinary.net

We all know that Halloween is practically synonymous with sugary candy and sweets. Cupcakes, caramel apples, candy bars, and lollipops are just a few of the indulgences we engage in over this spirited holiday. While it’s fun to treat ourselves, we can’t forget that we’re still consuming loads of processed sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and lots of empty calories that affect how we feel and our body’s system.

Here is a simple and healthy detox plan for you and your family to help rebuild and replenish the body after all of those treats and get you back on track.

Tip 1: Replenish with vitamins, minerals and nutrient-rich food. This means reaching for those colorful super-fruits (like tart cherries!) that are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients to give your body a much needed boost of nutrition. Remember, tart cherries also have heart-health benefits and studies have shown that they may help lower body fat, inflammation, and cholesterol – all major risk factors for heart disease.

Tip 2: Serve and eat plenty of protein. If you experienced sugar highs and lows after eating candy, protein will help stabilize your system. Protein also helps your mood, partly by giving your body the building blocks (that is, amino acids) it needs to rebuild. Plan on eating high-quality protein three times a day.

Tip 3: Eat healthy fats. Yes, some fats are healthy! Examples are coconut oil, grassfed butter and extra virgin olive oil. Fats help make you feel satisfied, so you don't feel the need to reach for the candy jar. Fats also help stabilize your blood sugar.

Tip 3: Eat lots of vegetables. All of those refined sweets are hard on your blood sugar, and they also use up minerals in your body to process them. Eating plenty of produce will get your mineral intake back on track and give your system a break from sugar.

Tip 5: Hydrate! Drinking plenty of water throughout the day flushes out the system of toxins and aids in digestion. Drinking water also helps you feel more satiated and less tempted to eat sweets.

A Spooky (and Cherry-Inspired!) Halloween Party

2011-10-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

With all of the candy and sugary desserts consumed during Halloween weekend, incorporating tart cherries is a great way to still enjoy delicious and festive treats while fueling your body with nutrient-rich antioxidants.

Enough black and orange this Halloween, red is a creepy color that will make your party look just as spooky! And remember, here at Cheribundi, we always say, GO RED INSTEAD with tart cherries!

Here are some fun and simple recipe ideas to get you and your party into the spirit:

Red Punch with Tart Cherry Creepy Crawler Ice Cubes

From Sandra Lee

www.FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients

Ice cubes:

2 packages gummy bear worms

1 (32-ounce) container tart cherry juice

Punch:

3 (12-ounce) bottles strawberry smoothies

2 quarts orange juice

3 cans lemon/lime soda

Directions

Ice cubes:

Stick 1 gummy worm in each cube, with half of the worm hanging out. Pour tart cherry juice into the ice cube trays. Place in freezer 2 hours before mixing the punch.

Punch:

Pour the strawberry smoothies, the orange juice and the lemon/lime soda into a large punch bowl and stir. Take the gummy worm ice cubes out of the freezer, and add half of them to the punch. Place remaining cubes into glasses and fill each glass with punch using a ladle.

Monster Eye Cupcakes with Cherry Filling

From Love & Olive Oil

www.LoveAndOliveOil.com

Ingredients

Cupcakes:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup almond meal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup oil
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 vanilla bean (seeds only) or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Cherry Filling:

1 cup frozen cherries

3 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cranberry or pomegranate juice, or water

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, sift together flour, almond meal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together oil, coconut milk, vanilla bean, and almond extract. Add sugar and mix until incorporated. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Mix until relatively smooth (batter will be slightly lumpy). Fill cupcake liners with 3 tablespoons of batter (papers should be just under 2/3 of the way full). Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden, and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Top with any kind of white frosting you like - buttercream, vanilla, or cream cheese are delicious!

Filling:

Add frozen cherries to medium saucepan along with sugar and juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally and slightly mashing some of the whole cherries. Meanwhile, mix 1 tablespoon cool water with cornstarch in a small dish and set aside. When cherry mixture starts bubbling, add cornstarch mixture and stir until filling is thickened and is no longer milky. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Move to refrigerator and chill until ready to use.

Pork Chops with Brandied Cherry Sauce and Zucchini with Walnuts

From Rachael Ray

www.FoodNetwork.com

Ingredients

(15-ounce) fresh tart cherries

2 rounded spoonfuls sugar -- for fresh cherries only

large boneless center-cut pork chops

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2

1 large shallot, finely chopped

Splash of brandy

1/2 cup chicken stock

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons chopped mint leaves

Zucchini with Walnuts:

1/2 cup, chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

3 medium zucchinis, sliced into disks, 1/-inch thick

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Put cherries in a small bowl with the sugar

Heat a skillet with an oven safe handle over medium high to high heat or, cover a the handle of a rubber handled pan with tin foil and preheat over same setting.

Season chops with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, to a hot skillet. Place chops in skillet and sear meat on both sides to caramelize the chops. Place a loose tin foil tent over the pan and transfer the chops to oven to finish off, 7 or 8 minutes, until meat is firm to touch, but not tough. While chops are in oven, place a second skillet over medium high heat. Toast nuts 1 to 2 minutes, shaking pan frequently. Remove nuts to cool and add extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, and 1 tablespoon butter. Add zucchini disks, season with nutmeg, salt and pepper and cook until tender, tossing discs occasionally, 6 or 7 minutes.

Remove meat from oven and transfer to dinner plates. Cover chops with foil to keep warm. Place chop skillet back on stove over medium heat. Add a tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan. Add shallots and saute 1 to 2 minutes. Add cherries and warm through. Add brandy by removing the pan off the burner to add the alcohol, then flame the pan. Burn off alcohol for 1 minute, then add stock. reduce stock a minute, then add butter in small pieces. Toss sauce to combine and sprinkle in mint. Pour sauce down over chops and serve the zucchini with walnuts along side.

www.FoodNetwork.com

Vampire Bite Cherry Mocktail

From Sandra Lee

Ingredients

2 cups tart cherry juice, chilled

1/2 cup apple juice, chilled

1/4 cup grenadine

1 1/2 cups seltzer water, chilled

1 tube red candy gel

4 gummy vampire teeth

Directions

In a pitcher combine cherry juice, apple juice and grenadine. Stir together then add the seltzer water.

Squeeze the candy gel onto a small plate. Rim the edges of 4 low-ball glasses in the candy gel. Pour in the

drink evenly into the glasses. Garnish each glass with the gummy vampire teeth and serve.

Cherry Gooeys

From Food Network Magazine

www.FoodNetwork.com

Directions

For cookie dough, beat 1 1/4 dark brown sugar and 1 stick butter until fluffy, then beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Whisk 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; stir into the butter mixture.

Then add 4 ounces melted semisweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons buttermilk with the eggs. Add 2 cups chocolate chunks and 1 cup dried cherries to the finished batter. Drop by tablespoonfuls and chill 30 minutes; bake 8 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

Choose Tart Cherries to Help Beat "Fruit Fatigue"

2011-10-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

From ChooseCherries.com and The Cherry Marketing Institute

Just four fruits – oranges, bananas, apples and watermelons – account for nearly half of America's fruit intake (for adolescents and adults).

Eating a variety of rich-colored fruits is essential to an overall healthful diet, but most Americans are falling far short of the daily recommended consumption of fruit. Only one in five Americans is currently getting the recommended 1 to 2 cups of fruit each day (depending on age, sex and physical activity level).2 In fact, Americans only average 42 percent of the recommended fruit, so the gap is significant.

“It‟s challenging to get the recommended amount of fruit, and a variety of fruit, so finding new ways to incorporate fruit in your daily eating plan is key to fighting what I call "Fruit Fatigue, " said Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author of a new book, MyPlate for Moms, How to Feed Yourself & Your Family Better. "The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA's MyPlate icon encourage Americans to 'make half their plate fruits and vegetables', and to do that we need to think about variety, taste and form when focused on fruit.”

Tart cherries – one of today's hottest Super Fruits – can be a powerful way to add variety, flavor and unique health benefits to a daily menu and help beat America‟s “Fruit Fatigue.”

A Versatile Super Fruit

Fruit provides a number of benefits to the daily diet – from contributing important nutrients, to reducing risk factors for many diseases, to aiding in weight management – yet people cite numerous barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption. These include limited access to fresh produce, lack of prep time or energy to plan, inconvenience and high spoilage of fresh fruits and vegetables, among other factors.3 According to Ward, buying fruits in multiple forms, like tart cherries – which are available dried, frozen or as juice year-round – can help ensure that you'll always have a supply on hand.

Go Red Instead for Taste and Health

Most importantly, taste remains the top driver of America's food decisions, making it essential to find great-tasting fruit options. Eighty-seven percent of Americans name taste as the

top consideration for food purchase, according to the IFIC Foundation 2011 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes Toward Food Safety, Nutrition & Health. And, new/unique flavors and flavor combinations are in demand, driving three-quarters (75%) of the best-selling new foods and beverages introduced in 2010-11.4

Tart cherries have a unique sweet-tart taste that can help fight America's “Fruit Fatigue” beyond the current top four picks. Ward says cherries‟ taste profile and year-round availability make them a versatile ingredient that works for any meal or snack occasion. Ward says one of her favorite meals for lunch or dinner is the Farro Salad with Roasted Asparagus and Dried Cherries – a recipe featured in her book.

Powerful antioxidants in tart cherries have been linked to anti-inflammatory benefits, and they're also a good source of much-needed potassium – one of the “nutrients of concern” identified in the Dietary Guidelines.

“As a dietitian whose goal is to help improve America's health and nutrition, I know that people need a variety of fruit every day, but getting the fruit they need should be easy, like choosing tart cherries.”

The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) is an organization funded by North American tart cherry growers and processors. CMI’s mission is to increase the demand for tart cherries through promotion, market expansion, product development and research.

Give Fall a Warm Welcome with these Seasonal Recipes

2011-10-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

The leaves have changed colors, seasonal crops are piled high in the grocery store, and Halloween costumes are on everyone's minds. Fall has arrived! But we can't forget that this change in season also makes way for some seasonal baking!

We found a lovely collection of seasonal recipes that not only incorporate the fall favorite: pumpkins, but also our beloved tart cherries...

Cherry-Pumpkin Seed Muffins

From Herbivoracious

Ingredients:

6 tablespons unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup whole milk

8 ounces fresh cherries, pitted and roughly chopped

1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds, toasted in a skillet or oven

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Grease or line 12 muffin cups. Beat butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, either in a mixer or by hand. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gently mix half of the flour mixture into the butter, then half of the milk, then the remaining half of each. Stir in the cherries and toasted pumpkin seeds. Distribute the batter into the muffin tins, and top with the raw pumpkin seeds. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

White Chocolate, Cherry & Pumpkin Seed Bark

From Just a Taste

Ingredients:

1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
Pinch of salt
12 oz. white chocolate
¼ teaspoon Allspice
¾ cup pitted, dried tart cherries

Directions:

Toast the pumpkin seeds by placing them in a pan over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning (be careful as the seeds may crackle as they heat).

Remove the toasted seeds, toss them with the salt and and set them aside to cool. Make a double boiler by first boiling a large pot of water. Break the chocolate bar into pieces then add the pieces to a smaller pot. Hold the smaller pot over the boiling water to melt the chocolate, careful not to let any water leak into the smaller pot. Stir the chocolate continuously until it is smooth. Add the Allspice and mix until well incorporated. Pour the chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with a Silpat or parchment paper. Use a rubber spatula to spread the chocolate out until it is roughly ¼" thick. Immediately top with the toasted pumpkin seeds and dried cherries. Let the bark harden in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Cherry-Walnut Pumpkin Bread

From Brown Wood Acres

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pure pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter loaf pan. Line bottom and 2 long sides with waxed paper. Whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until blended. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Beat in pumpkin, then vanilla. Beat in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions each. Fold in Brownwood Acres Dried Tart Cherries and nuts. Transfer batter to pan. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake bread for about 1 hour 10 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Pumpkin Cake with Sage Ice Cream and Pumpkin Cherry Compote

From Epicurious

Ingredients:

For pumpkin cake

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup safflower or canola oil

1 1/2 cups fresh pumpkin purée or canned solid-pack pumpkin

For compote

1/2 cup dried tart cherries

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 lb fresh pumpkin (preferably sugar or cheese pumpkin), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice (2 cups)

Continued...

Click Here for full recipe

October is Non-GMO Month!

2011-10-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

From The Organic Center and The Non-GMO Project

Even though tart cherries are not a genetically engineered crop or at risk of becoming one (thank goodness!) we would still like to bring awareness to this movement and help you understand the facts about GMOs. Here at Cheribundi, we are happy and proud to be able to provide a product that is pure and natural, but we can’t always count on other products to do the same. In fact, products are not required to label GMO ingredients for the public, which brings up the issue of consumers having the right to know what they are buying. Let’s break down what exactly GMO means...

What are GMOs?

"Genetically modified organisms,” or GMOs, are organisms that have been created through gene-splicing techniques that are part of biotechnology. These transgenic methods for moving genes around are also called “genetic engineering,” or GE.

This relatively new science allows DNA from one species to be transferred into another species, creating transgenic organisms with combinations of genes from plants, animals, bacteria, and even viral gene pools. The mixing of genes from different species that have never shared genes in the past is what makes GMOs and GE crops so unique. It is impossible to create such transgenic organisms through crossbreeding methods and would never happen in nature.

The Nine GE Food Crops on the Market:

· Corn

· Soybeans

· Canola

· Cotton

· Sugar Beets

· Alfalfa

· Hawaiian Papaya

· Zucchini

The majority of today’s GE crops contain modifications that are either :herbicide-tolerant" or engineered to express a bacteria insect toxic in plant tissues or “insect-protected, contain or both.

How Common are GMOs?

There are about 320 million acres of cropland harvested every year in the U.S., of which about 140 million are planted to GE seeds.

According to the USDA, 93% of soybean seeds planted in the U.S. in 2009, and 93% of cotton and 86% of corn seeds were genetically engineering and hence produced GMO plants. It is estimated that over 90% of canola grown is GMO, and a comparable share of sugar beets are now herbicide tolerant.

There are about two-dozen applications for new GE crop technologies in the USDA pipeline. Monsanto has submitted eight of the pending petitions, and Syngenta, Pioneer, Bayer, BASF, and Dow all have submitted two.

Are GMOs Safe?

In 30 other countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs, because they are not considered proven safe. In the U.S. on the other hand, the FDA approved commercial production of GMOs based on studies conducted by the companies who created them and profit from their sale. Many health-conscious shoppers find the lack of rigorous, independent, scientific examination on the impact of consuming GM foods to be cause for concern.

What’s Next?

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization working to offer consumers a consistent non-GMO choice for foods that are produced without genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technologies.

You can take the Non-GMO Pledge on their website and become one of the thousands of consumers that are taking part in Non-GMO month, celebrating the public’s right to choose.

Also, you can follow the Just Label It Campaign and sign a petition to tell the FDA to start labeling GMO foods and products.

Catching up with Kayaker Galen Volckhausen

2011-10-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Galen Paddling the Tygart River in West Virginia

Last time we caught up with our 16 year-old star athlete, AKA “The Big Water Bandit”, we chatted about his deep passion for kayaking, his dreams of becoming a world champion on the US Kayaking Team, and how he turns to Cheribundi to soothe his aches and pains after long days of training in wild rapids.

Galen is still at it and is training, kayaking and competing more than ever. He is even attending a college preparatory high school that has a special kayaking program - a perfect fit!

We would like to share our interview with Galen to keep you up to date as we follow this dedicated teenager on his inspiring journey where he not only navigates the bumps and turns of his own life, but those of Mother Nature’s white water...

How was your summer - how much did you train and what competitions did you participate in?
I had an amazing summer. I paddled every weekday and spent most of those training. So far this summer I have been in two competitions. The first was the Canada Cup on the Ottawa River. I made it in to the finals in 3rd place. I finished in 5th place over all. My second competition was two days after the Canada Cup. It was the Labor Day Raquette Race. Which consisted of 6 rapids 3 of which are class V. I did not place well, but I hit all my lines great!

What is your next competition and when? What are you doing to prepare for it?
I am not quite sure when my next competition is. I am planning to make it to some races in Chile. There is a whole circuit down there and I know I will be there for a couple of the races. In preparation for those I am attending Go Huge Kayaking AKA New River Academy. It is a traveling white water kayak school.

Are you still drinking Cheribundi regularly? How much and when?
I am definitely drinking still drinking Cheribundi regularly. I drink a bottle every day, I do not have a specific time I drink it but they are nice to wake up with.

With school starting soon, will it be hard to keep up your training? What will your training schedule look like during the school year?
As I said I am going to Go Huge Kayaking. I will not have as much time to paddle with this but it is not hard to train. Currently my schedule is school four times a week and kayaking for 3 days. My schedule always changes up depending on where I am. For example, we are getting ahead now so we can take more time off in Chile to paddle.

How much closer are you to achieving your goal of making it on to the US kayaking team?

Scouting the Niagara Gorge near Ontario

If I was good at the beginning of the summer then I am great now. You really do not know until the competition but over the summer I got to the point where I can hit almost any trick. Now it is just up to getting to the point where I can hit anything anytime that I want to be able to hit it. So I would say that I am much closer to making the team. The only question now is when the team trials will be, and if they will happen soon enough that I can compete as a Junior.

Sounds like you are well on your way, Galen.

The Cheribundi team is very proud of all that you have accomplished thus far and we love being your sponsor. We are happy to hear that drinking Cheribundi continues to aid you in your active lifestyle and we can’t wait for the next update!

Jordan Flowers: Marathon challenge winner proves that anyone can achieve their health goals, if they put their mind to it

2011-09-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

Jordan Flowers used to be like many other young professionals. He worked hard at his day job, and enjoyed relaxing after work, chilling out and eating. He was overweight, but didn’t really consider doing much about it, as he was content with his life, and didn’t see much reason to change. It wasn’t until Jordan reached 340 pounds that he began to feel discomfort with his body, and decided he needed to take action, and take control of his health. Through changing his diet and running, Jordan has lost weight, improved his health and transformed his life.

When he began on his weight loss journey, Jordan did not call himself a runner. In fact, he had trouble running in general, and wasn’t able to run more than 40 yards. However, with determination, as well as inspiration from a local group that recruited Jordan to train for Oregon’s Hood to Coast race, Jordan began to run…..and run…..and run. In addition, he began eating better, cutting out the junk food, controlling his portions and eating small meals throughout the day. Over time, Jordan began to see his excess weight drop, found he had more energy, and was able to run longer distances (he even began tracking his progress in a blog!). After tackling the most grueling leg of the Hood to Coast marathon, Jordan began taking on other runs, from 5Ks to 10Ks to his longest yet, an 18-mile run.

As Jordan became more involved with running, he began to learn about other marathon runners, especially those that inspired him to keep going. One of the marathoners he kept an eye on was Scott Jurek, a well-known ultramarathoner and someone Jordan admired. Because Jordan followed Scott on Twitter, he stayed up to date with Scott’s races, running tips, and even products that Scott uses to help him perform his best, including cheribundi. After discovering cheribundi through Scott, Jordan began checking out what tart cherry juice was all about, and its impact on runners. Through following cheribundi on Twitter, Jordan learned about the Cheribundi Marathon Challenge, an opportunity for one person to win an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas to run the Rock ‘N Roll Marathon, as well as receive personalized running tips from Scott Jurek himself. Jordan then entered the Marathon Challenge, and was by far the most active participant. And….he won!

To prepare for his big debut in Las Vegas, Jordan is running as much as he can and continuing his healthy eating. Because he is running many miles each week, Jordan makes sure to allow his body to rest, and relies on cheribundi to help speed his muscle recovery between work-outs. To keep him going, Jordan has also begun running with others, and setting his sights on more races to train for in the future.

Through his hard work and can-do attitude, Jordan has proven, to all of us, that you can achieve any health or weight loss goal, if you put your mind to it. As he says in his latest blog post, “If I hadn’t started moving, I would have never got back in shape. If I didn’t get back in shape, I wouldn’t have run a half-marathon. If I didn’t run the half, I would have never entered the Cheribundi Marathon Challenge. If I had never entered, there is no way that I could have won. So, ask me why I feel famous today…it’s because a year and a half ago, I got up off the couch, put on my big boy pants, and started moving forward.”

Jordan and his wife

Thank you, Jordan, for showing us that we all have the power to take control of our health!

To learn more about Jordan and his weight loss journey, check out his blog, Lean Fit Firm.

Back to School Brain Fuel – Cherries!

2011-09-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Now is the time of year when long summer days shorten, the weather begins to cool and school begins. Whether you’re headed back to school or looking for a nutritious addition to your everyday diet, incorporating cherries is an easy way to get anti-inflammatory antioxidant health benefits, as well as melatonin to help you sleep – allowing your brain, and body, to receive adequate rest to perform its best at school and work. So eat up, drink up and cherrify your concentration this fall by adding cherries to your diet.

Not sure how to do so? Here are some easy ways to add cherries to your Back to School or Work routine:

Fresh cherries – In many parts of the country, cherries are still in season this time of year (although soon coming to an end!). Pick some up at your local farmer’s market and pack with lunch, for a snack or after school/work pick-me-up. They are a sweet treat with packed with nutrition, without very many calories (one cup raw cherries is about 90 calories).

Tart Cherry Juice – Packaged in a small, compact 8 oz. bottle, cheribundi tart cherry juice is the perfect size for lunch boxes, backpacks, athletic bags, laptop bags or a purse. Take it with you anytime, for on-the-go an antioxidant packed punch that will energize your day. Looking to get more sleep? Drink two bottles of tart cherry juice per day to receive the benefits of naturally occurring melatonin (for more on tart cherry juice and sleep, check out this article).

Dried Cherries – Dried cherries are a school and work friendly snack in that they don’t require refrigeration of any kind, are extremely versatile and can be added to a variety of foods, and are tasty on their own! Add dried cherries to your breakfast for a boost of nutrition. Throw a handful in oatmeal, granola or in yogurt. Dried cherries are great as a snack in trail mix or on their own, can be added to salads, rice or other grains, and even dessert. Any way you eat them, dried cherries are a must for any back-to-school or busy work pantry.

Frozen Cherries – Get the health benefits of fresh cherries all year long by stocking up on frozen cherries. These preserved delights can be added to smoothies, or eaten on their own after thawing. Like dried cherries, they can also be added to many foods (including dessert!) for a cherrylicious twist.

Desserts – Next time you make a cherry pie, crumble, cookies or any other type of delicious, cherry-packed dessert, cut a slice and wrap in foil or a put in a reusable container and add to your school or work lunch. Who said you can’t enjoy homemade dessert while away from home?

We hope these back-to-school and work cherry tips gave you some food for thought. What other ways do you incorporate cherries into your school or work routine?

All About Anthocyanins: What they are, why they are good for you, and how to incorporate them into your diet

2011-08-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

We’ve all seen ‘buzz’ about antioxidants in the media. Whether it’s for cancer prevention, free-radical wrinkle fighting, heart health or anti-aging, antioxidants have been deemed necessary for optimum health and wellness. How come? Antioxidants prevent oxidation of cells, which means they fight abnormal cell growth and changes, often related to cancer and illness, which is why they have become known as great cancer fighters. While these miracle compounds have been talked about a great deal, what we haven’t really heard is that there are thousands of different types of antioxidants found naturally in the foods we eat. One type in particular that has proven to be specially beneficial is the anthocyanin, which has a laundry list of health benefits all its own. Why? Let’s find out.

From a biochemistry standpoint, anthocyanins are any of a class of water-soluble pigments that give flowers the colors ranging from red to blue. When it comes to food, these pigments are reflected in dark red, blue and purple colors found mostly in berries, cherries, plums and grapes. A flavonoid, or compound of nutrients found in food that have been shown to be beneficial for health, anthocyanins have been shown to offer protection to body systems through inflammation fighting properties, prevention of tissue oxidation, decreasing of ‘bad’ ldl cholesterol, diabetes treatment and improvement in eyesight.

Because of the ability of anthocyanins to combat so many health ailments and everyday occurrences, incorporating these antioxidant rockstars into the diet is essential for wellbeing and longevity. In addition, anthocyanins have been dubbed ‘the color of youth,’ offering beauty boosting benefits, including reduced skin inflammation and stabilization of collagen. Anthocyanins have also been shown to alleviate symptoms of photoaging caused by the sun’s UV rays, providing a more youthful glow to the skin.

Fortunate for us, the super antioxidant anthocyanins are not hard to come by. Found in foods that have a dark red, purple or blue pigment, anthocyanins can be incorporated into any diet. Cherries contain some of the highest amounts of anthocyanins compared to some other foods, and are a delicious way to get your daily dose of anthocyanins. Tart cherry juice is another way to consume your anthocyanins, as well as offer many other health benefits.

As the saying goes, you truly “Are what you eat” when it comes to anthocyanins. Eat up, and your body (and skin) will thank you!

Resources:

http://www.chiro.org/nutrition/FULL/Anthocyanins.shtml

http://truthinaging.com/ingredient-spotlight/anthocyanins-is-this-the-color-of-youth

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/tart_cherry.htm

What you need to know about healthy eating

2011-08-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Nutrition is to your body what gas is to a car – the fuel it needs to function. Without gas, a car will not run, and will sit idly in your driveway. Without proper nutrition, your body will not have energy to perform at its optimum level, and you may feel tired, fatigued, and impaired at work, in physical activity, or in everyday functions. Similar to filling up a car with premium fuel, providing your body the proper nutrition it needs will not only allow your muscles, organs and systems to function smoothly, but you will feel great, look great, and have the energy you need to put your best food forward, everyday.

When it comes to nutrition and healthy eating, there are many differing beliefs and ‘fad’ diets out there. However, if you follow a few simple basics, you will be sure to cover the major food groups and hit your daily nutritional needs. Here are some healthy eating basics, courtesy of WebMD, that will help you begin your path to nutritional rockstar status:

How do you get started on healthy eating?

Healthy eating starts with learning new ways to eat, such as adding more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and cutting back on foods that have a lot of fat, salt, and sugar.

A change to healthier eating also includes learning about balance, variety, and moderation.

Aim for balance. Most days, eat from each food group-vegetables and fruit, grain products, milk and alternatives, and meat and alternatives. Listen to your body. Eat when you're hungry. Stop when you feel satisfied.

Look for variety. Be adventurous. Choose different foods in each food group. For example, don't reach for an apple every time you choose a fruit. Eating a variety of foods each day will help you get all the nutrients you need.
Practice moderation. Don't have too much or too little of one thing. All foods, if eaten in moderation, can be part of healthy eating. Even sweets can be okay.

Why pay attention to what you eat?

Healthy eating will help you get the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It will help you feel your best and have plenty of energy. It can help you handle stress better.

Healthy eating is one of the best things you can do to prevent and control many health problems, such as:

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Type 2 diabetes

Some types of cancer

Is healthy eating the same as going on a diet?

Healthy eating is not a diet. It means making changes you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life.

Diets are temporary. Because you give up so much when you diet, you may be hungry and think about food all the time. And after you stop dieting, you also may overeat to make up for what you missed.

Eating a healthy, balanced variety of foods is far more satisfying. And if you match that with more physical activity, you are more likely to get to a healthy weight-and stay there-than if you diet.

How do you make healthy eating a habit?

First, think about your reasons for healthier eating. Do you want to improve your health? Do you want to feel better? Are you trying to set an example for your kids?

Next, think about some small changes you can make. Pick ones you can keep doing.

Don't try to change everything at once.

Set an easy goal you can reach, like having a salad and a piece of fruit each day.

Make a long-term goal too, such as having one vegetarian dinner a week.

Where can you get support?

Having support from others can be a huge help. The more support you have, the easier it will be to make changes. Ask family and friends to practice healthy eating with you. Have them help you make meals, and share healthy, delicious recipes and cooking tips.

If you need more help, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. Look online for groups that support healthy eating and share success stories.

For more information, visit: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/tc/healthy-eating-overview

Fall Into Cherries: Preserving these precious stone fruits all year long

2011-08-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest gifts of summer is fresh, deliciously ripe and juicy cherries. Whether tart or sweet, summertime is primetime for these mouthwatering little stone fruits. As summer nears its end and fall comes into sight, cherries season may begin to dwindle, however, there are many ways to preserve nature’s bounty of fresh cherries to enjoy them all year long. Whether you freeze, dry, can or make something tasty with your summer cherries, it’s guaranteed that you will be glad you did!

Freezing

There are several ways to pack cherries for freezing. The best method selected will depend on how you want to use the frozen product.

Sugar pack. Mix 2/3 cup sugar per quart of sour cherries; or 1/3 cup sugar per quart of sweet cherries. To package, fill freezer containers to within 1/2 inch from top. If pint or quart freezer bags are used, fill to within 3/4 inches from the top. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Seal and label.
Unsweetened pack. Without liquid or sweetening, pack cherries into containers to within 1/2 inch from top. If pint or quart freezer bags are used, fill to within 3/4 inches from the top. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Seal and label. The fruit may be sweetened at the time of serving.
Loose cherry pack. Spread whole sweet cherries in a single layer on shallow trays or cookie sheets and freeze. Remove and quickly package in labeled freezer bags or containers removing as much air as possible from containers. Seal and return promptly to freezer.
Syrup pack. A light syrup is recommended for sweet cherries and medium syrup for sour cherries. Allow 1/2 to 2/3 cup of syrup for each pint of fruit.

Frozen cherries should be used within 1 year.

DRYING

Wash fruit. Cut in half and remove pits. Cherries can be dried safely without any pretreatment, but pretreating may preserve the natural color and speed drying.

To pretreat: Ascorbic acid, available at drug stores, may be used. Prepare a solution of 1 to 2 1/2 teaspoons of pure ascorbic acid crystals to 1 quart cold water. Vitamin C tablets can be crushed and used (six 500 milligram tablets equal 1 teaspoon ascorbic acid). One cup treats about 5 quarts of cut cherries. Dip cut cherries in ascorbic acid solution. Soak for a few minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and drain well. Commercial antioxidant mixtures are not as concentrated as ascorbic acid but are more readily available in grocery stores.

Arrange fruit on drying trays in single layers, pit cavity up. Cherries will dry in 24 to 36 hours in a dehydrator, in the sun from 12 hours to four or five days, and in the oven from six to 24 hours. Properly dried cherries are leathery and shriveled.

Canning

Wash jars. Prepare lids according to manufacturer’s directions.

Prepare sugar syrup, if needed:

Sugar Syrup Recipes
Light: 1.5 cups sugar to 5.75 cups water
Medium: 2.25 cups sugar to 5.25 cups water (recommended for sweet cherries)
Heavy: 3.25 cups sugar to 5 cups water (recommended for Sour Cherries)

Stem and wash cherries. Remove pits if desired. If pitted, place cherries in water containing ascorbic acid to present stem-end discoloration (1 teaspoon of ascorbic acid or 3 grams in 1 gallon water). If canned unpitted, pricking skins on opposite sides with a clean needle will prevent splitting. Cherries may be canned in water, apple juice, white grape juice, or syrup. If syrup is desired, select and prepare preferred type as directed above. Medium syrup works well for sweet cherries and heavy syrup for sour cherries.

Hot pack– In a large saucepan add 1/2 cup water, juice, or syrup for each quart of drained fruit and bring to a boil. Fill sterilized jars with cherries and cooking liquid, leaving 1/2" headspace. Wipe the sealing edge of the jar with a clean, damp paper towel. Adjust lids. Process in a Boiling Water Bath: 10 Minutes for pint jars or 15 minutes for quart jars. Turn off heat at the end of processing and allow the kettle to sit for an additional 5 minutes before removing jars.

Raw pack– Add 1/2 cup hot water, juice, or syrup to each jar. Fill jars with drained cherries, shaking them down gently as filled. Add more hot liquid, leaving 1/2" headspace. Wipe the sealing edge of the jar with a clean, damp paper towel. Adjust lids. Process in a Boiling Water Bath: 20 Minutes for pint jars or quart jars. Turn off heat at the end of processing and allow the kettle to sit for an additional 5 minutes before removing jars.

Canned cherries should be used within 18 months.

FRUIT LEATHER

Select ripe or slightly overripe fruit. Wash, pit, and drain well. Puree cherries in blender. Sweetener may be added in the form of honey, or sugar. Honey is best for long storage because it doesn’t crystallize. Sugar is good for immediate use or short storage. Sweeten to taste. Bring cherry puree to a boil. Line a plate or cookie sheet with edges with plastic wrap. Smooth out the wrinkles. Pour the pureed fruit onto the cookie sheet in a 1/4 inch thick layer. Spread evenly.

To dry in an oven- Place the tray on the center rack in an oven at lowest setting and prop oven door slightly open. Approximate drying time may be up to 18 hours.
To dry in a dehydrator- Use specially designed dehydrator trays or plastic trays. Line with plastic wrap. Pour pureed fruit on the trays in a 1/8 inch thick layer. Spread evenly. Approximate drying time is 6-8 hours.
Leather that is dry can be easily pulled from the plastic wrap. Fruit leather can be left on plastic or pulled from plastic wrap while still warm. Cool and re-wrap in plastic if needed.

Dried cherries and cherry fruit leather should be used within 1-2 years.

Make Pie Filling

CANNED PIE FILLING

4 quarts chopped fruit
10 c. water
4 c. sugar
1 c. cornstarch or Clear Jel (recommended)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. almond or cherry liqueur (if canning cherries)

Combine ingredients in a stainless steel or enamel lined pot. Bring to a boil and boil 10 minutes; pack hot into hot jars. Leave 1/2-inch headspace. Adjust 2 piece lids.

Process pints 15 minutes, quarts 20 minutes in a boiling water bath canner.

Note: Cherries may be packed cold into jars and covered with water or liqueur or a combination of the two; process both pints and quarts in a boiling water bath for 25 minutes.

Makes 3-5 quarts, depending upon fruit used.

How do you preserve your fresh summer cherries?

Preserving instructions from http://seattlecancan.blogspot.com/2011/04/cherries-preserving-harvest.html and http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1937,152184-225198,00.html

Upgrade Your Life: Great tips for a better night’s sleep

2011-08-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than two thirds of Americans aren't getting enough sleep, and a fifth of us may have major sleep disorders. No matter what our fast-paced culture says, this is a serious health problem, even an epidemic. This week's episode of Upgrade Your Life, Yahoo! News' Becky Worley shows us some of the newest ways to improve our sleep.

Watch Video

The basics

Your body's natural sleep rhythms are related to the amount of light in the room. So make sure to turn out the lights, cover the windows, and even use an eye shade or sleep mask if necessary. Also, don't drink anything for at least two hours before bedtime if you can help it. Those bathroom breaks can interrupt your deepest, most restful sleep.

Having trouble with noise in your sleeping area? Try earplugs; the cheap silicone variety for swimmers are the best at blocking out noise and staying in your ears all night.

New Sleep Products

Here's a new tip: According to a multi-university study, the natural antioxidants in tart cherry juice help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. The 15 older adults in the study had fewer night time wakings when they drank at least two cups a day, and they spent more time asleep, too.

Finally, lower back pain is a common complaint amongst adults, and a culprit responsible for nighttime waking and trouble sleeping. Becky's found that using a foam roller helps stave off lower back pain in the night. It's like massaging your back ... and it works! Stretching the hamstrings before bed can help, too.

Smartphone sleep disruptions
According to a Pew Research study, 65% of us sleep with our cellphones next to the bed, and that number goes up to 90% for people age 18-29. It's true that phones make good alarm clocks, but they can wake you up when someone sends you a text, and they present a temptation to check your email and social networks. Engaging in work email or using Facebook can stimulate you just as you are falling asleep, and set your mind racing when you should be quieting it.

If you must keep your cellphone or smartphone nearby, try leaving it where you can't reach it. That way you'll have to get up to turn off the alarm, anyway. And smartphone apps can help you get to sleep by playing relaxing sounds.

Laptop-induced insomnia

Even worse than keeping a smartphone nearby are those late-night computer sessions. Again, your circadian rhythms are based on light, and the blue light that's put out by computer screens makes your body think it's still daytime. That keeps it from producing melatonin -- the sleep-inducing antioxidant that the tart cherry juice contains.

Talk to your doctor

None of the products Becky discussed this episode will cure your sleep apnea, or any other potentially life-threatening sleep disorders. There are no quick fixes for these. Talk to a doctor about them ... and sleep tight!

Article courtesy of Yahoo! http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upgrade-your-life/upgrade-life-great-tips-better-night-sleep-160112326.html

ULTRAMARATHON RUNNER SCOTT JUREK and CHERIBUNDI TART CHERRY JUICE ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE CHERIBUNDI MARATHON CHALLENGE

2011-08-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

ASPIRING MARATHONER JORDAN FLOWERS WILL RUN IN THE ROCK N’ ROLL MARATHON WITH ALL EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO LAS VEGAS

August 4, 2011 (New York, NY) -- Cheribundi tart cherry juice, along with ultra-marathon runner Scott Jurek, have announced the winner of their Cheribundi Marathon Challenge. Jordan Flowers, a resident of Oregon City, OR, has been chosen as the winner after he garnered over 200 votes on the Cheribundi Facebook page with his inspirational story.

Flowers wrote an impassioned statement about how he has achieved many personal goals through running, including weight loss: “I'd love to work with Scott Jurek and compete in the Rock ‘n' Roll. I'm a barefoor runner who took up the sport about a year ago in an effort to lose some weight. I have lost about 145 pounds to date and am living life every day with new purpose and energy. I just ran my first half-marathon last week and am looking for new challenges.” His blog, http://leanfitfirm.com/, chronicles Jordan’s journey.

Flowers will receive an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas to run in the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon, including air and hotel fare, training packets, professional tips and pointers from Scott Jurek, fitness gear and of course, Cheribundi. Scott Jurek is a celebrated ultramarathoner who is prominently featured in the New York Times bestseller "Born to Run," and is the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run and Badwater Ultra-marathon champion. Flowers will also document his experience for the Cheribundi blog.

The Rock & Roll Marathon “Nighttime Running Event” will take place on December 4, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV.

Cheribundi created this challenge to underscore the serious health benefits from tart cherry juice, which has shown to act as a natural pain reliever, alleviate aches and pains, produce speedier athletic recovery, increase energy levels and assist in better sleep. Several professional and college football, hockey and basketball athletic teams as well as runners use the product during training. More information can be found at www.cheribundi.com.

How the Cheribundi Marathon Challenge worked:

Participants logged on to the Cheribundi Facebook page at www.facebook/cheribundi to explain on the “Wall” why they deserve to be selected to run in the marathon.
Then the voting began; contestants encouraged family, friends, and colleagues to vote for them via the “Like” feature on the Cheribundi Facebook page.
The Cheribundi Marathon Challenge ended on August 4^th.

“Cheribundi is all about health and reaching your fullest fitness potential,” says Cheribundi CEO Brian Ross. “We are thrilled to help Jordan reach his goal of running in a marathon, and who better than Scott Jurek to help guide his on this journey.”

“I’ve always had the desire to guide people toward a path of wellness and optimal health,” says Jurek. “Whether they are a first-time marathon runner or an experienced ultra-marathoner, this is an exciting opportunity to help an individual reach their ultimate goals.”

About Cheribundi

Cheribundi comes in three great tasting varieties. Tru Cherry™, the original juice packed with the juice of 50 cherries. Drink 8 oz daily to get 2 servings of fruit and powerful benefits that no other fruit offers. Skinny Cherry™ has all the powerful nutrients and benefits of the original juice, but fewer calories and is sweetened with all-natural Stevia. Drink it daily if you're limiting calories and sugar, but still want that great antioxidant punch. Whey Cherry™, with 8 g of whey protein in 8 oz of juice, provides the proper mix of carbohydrate and protein for maximal repair and recovery. It has all the powerful nutrients and benefits of the original juice, but with the extra advantage of protein for those who want to stay competitive.

About Scott Jurek
A Boulder, CO resident, Scott Jurek is a world renowned ultramarathon champion and the 24-hour American record holder of 165.7 miles. His wins include the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run an unprecedented seven consecutive times, the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, Hardrock Hundred Miler in Colorado, and the 153 mile Spartathlon in Greece. Scott powers his body on a plant-based diet and is a passionate cook, physical therapist and running coach. Scott prominently appears in two New York Times Bestsellers “Born to Run” and “The 4-Hour Body.” His awards include Running Hero 2005 by Runner’s World magazine, USA TODAY Athlete of the Week, Running USA Ten Best Moments in Distance Running, and multiple Ultrarunner of the Year by Ultrarunning Magazine. He has been featured in the The New York Times, CNN, EPSN Magazine, Outside, Men’s Journal, Runner’s World, Yoga Journal, Veg News and many other media. For more information visit scottjurek.com.

John Cholish: An Ultimate Fighter Serious About Nutrition

2011-07-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

If you were ever faced with a situation where you had to defend yourself, would you be able to? John Cholish most definitely would be. A former wrestler turned jiu jitsu, boxing and ultimate fighting champion, John is a fit, well-trained athlete with a passion for physical activity, and a knack for moving fast. Dedicated to his sport, John is gaining momentum as an MMA fighter within his community and beyond, and is on his way to join the higher ranks.

Photos courtesy of Lucas Noonan

Only in his 20s, John Cholish has accomplished more than some people accomplish in a lifetime. Not only did he graduate from Ivy League school Cornell, where he majored in applied economics and management, as well as lead the wrestling team, John has held prestigious professional positions at Morgan Stanley and Intercontinental Exchange, all while training almost daily for his next fight.

“I’m the kind of person who can’t sit still. My life is busy, but I love my job, and love my sport. There’s no way I’d live my life any differently, “ said John. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a challenge to perform my best at work and then give it my all at the gym every night, but it’s what I have to do to accomplish my professional and fighting goals.”

John didn’t get where he is today on a whim – it has taken years of dedication , hard work, and thousands of hours of rigorous training to be able to hold his own in the ring, in front of thousands of people. As a wrestler for most of his life, John made the transition to jiu jitsu, boxing and fighting after he graduated college. Since then, he has not only gotten serious about training hard six days a week, he has nailed down his nutritional needs to provide his body the proper fuel it needs to perform at its peak.

Photos courtesy of Lucas Noonan

“To stay on track, I work with a nutritionist and four specialized fighting coaches,” said John. “I make sure I’m getting proper nutrients by eating a lot of organic and raw foods, as well as drinking cheribundi daily – one in the morning and one after training. I find that when I eat right, and get my cherry juice, I experience less soreness and I’m able to recover more quickly from workouts.”

Nutrition, training and good coaches are imperative to a fighter’s chances of “winning.” However, to really “win,” or fulfill that drive and satisfaction that comes from giving it your all, John says, “you have to be in it for the right reasons. No matter what it is you do, if you are passionate and are truly in love with your practice, that’s when you will go farthest.”

Photos courtesy of Lucas Noonan

Take it from John – if you have a goal in mind, all it takes is a commitment, passion and drive to achieve it. Not only does he aspire to be the best he can be, but he serves as a role model for the rest of us, who are all on our way to achieving our own greatness, one day at a time.

Want to learn more about John Cholish? Check out his story in the news:

Business Insider

MMAJunkie.com

Video: Cheribundi Star Athlete Galen Volckhausen takes on ADK....All Day!

2011-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Cherries: One of Nature’s Anti-Aging Superfuits!

2011-07-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Living in today’s world, with our exposure to environmental pollution, processed foods and high amounts of stress, it’s easy to lose track of how we’re taking care of ourselves. Overtime, exposure to a high-paced lifestyle that lacks sound nutrition will begin to take a toll on our bodies, as well as our looks. Our skin may begin to look sallow, we carry around tired bags under our eyes, and we may even look older than we really are. However, when you eat right and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to fight the age-inducing environmental factors, you will not only feel more energetic and alive, but you will look it as well!

Fruits and vegetables are nature’s defense against aging, and contain powerful antioxidant compounds that help fight free-radicals, molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, and possibly some diseases, that we are exposed to on a daily basis. According to Natural News, The more color and variety of produce, the more natural antioxidants one can consume. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables can contribute to a very large extent to our program of antiaging. Why? Because these natural chemical compounds slow or halt oxidative processes that may prevent or deter the onset of many diseases associated with aging, including..wrinkles and sun damage and much more.

Cherries are packed with antioxidants, and contain more free radical fighting power than almost any other food out there. According to a new study from the University of Michigan, cherries' unique compounds may work synergystically to deliver a powerful antioxidant punch. In addition, these little red ‘superfruits’ also contain high doses of Vitamin C, which encourages collagen production, and cherries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that provide the distinctive red color and may hold the key to the health benefits locked inside. Additional studies suggest that these powerful pigments possess anti-inflammatory (Can you say puffiness around the eyes?) and anti-aging properties. For more, click here.

The melatonin in cherries also has antiaging effects in that it can promote sleep, and more sound sleep, to give your body the rest it needs to repair itself. As most skin and tissue repair occurs while you sleep, catching the recommended amount (7-9 hours) each night will ensure that your body and skin has the opportunity to repair damage that may occurred during the day due to sun, environmental toxins, etc. For more, click here.

When it comes to looks, it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts. What are your natural beauty secrets?

Take the Cheribundi Challenge - Drink Cheribundi Four Days and Feel the Difference!

2011-07-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Do you have aches and pains, trouble sleeping, slow muscle recovery, or simply looking to feel more energetic and alive?

If you answered yes to any of the above, the Cheribundi Challenge is for you. A four-day contest, the Cheribundi Challenge allows you to fully experience the benefits of tart cherry juice on your health and wellbeing, and experience a difference in the way you feel.

Why four days?

Tart cherries have one of the highest ORAC unit capacities among all superfruits, of fering a high dose of anthocyanins, a specific class of antioxidants shown to battle free-radicals and repair cell damage inside of the body . Drinking 8 oz of tart cherry juice for four days has been shown to increase the body’s anthocyanin level needed to achieve the maximum health benefits, and feel your best.

Try the Challenge, and share your experience for the chance to win!

How to participate in the Cheribundi Challenge, and automatically enter to win cherrylicious prizes, including FREE Cheribundi, t-shirts, gift certificates and more!

1. Drink 8 oz. of Cheribundi for four days
2. “Like” Cheribundi on Facebook and share how you feel when drinking Cheribundi on the Cheribundi Facebook wall
3. Share the Cheribundi Challenge with your friends
4. Stay tuned for the announcement of our monthly winner!
(winner is randomly selected each month to win a fabulous prize, including FREE Cheribundi, t-shirts, gift cards and more!)

Find us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Cheribundi

Find us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Cheribundi

Evaluate Your Challenge Results!

Answer these questions before and after the Cheribundi Challenge to find out how Cheribundi has improved your sense of health and wellbeing.

How is your sleep??
1----------------------5--------------------10L

Light Restless Deep

How is your athletic recovery??
1----------------------5--------------------10

Slow Moderate Fast

Do you experience aches and pains??
1----------------------5--------------------10

Always Sometimes Never

Video: Cheribundi Spokeswoman Allison Bradshaw Competes in Lightning Fitness Strongman Contest 2011

2011-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00