CHERRY JUICEHow much:Best time to sip:Beverage benefits:Here’s how 2½ cups Every day for a week leading up to (as well as the day of) any athletic event like a race. Endurance athletes who drank cherry juice before running a marathon felt less pain afterward than those who didn’t. Phytochemicals in the drink appear to ease inflammation. (Cherry juice can also help you sleep 90 more minutes a night. .) FAT-FREE MILKBest time to sip:How much:Beverage benefits: Right after strength-training 2 to 4 cups The protein in the milk helps repair muscles you’ve exerted. The calcium and vitamin D strengthen bones and may help you lose more fat. MORE: 12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods To Always Keep On Hand GREEN TEA Best time to sip:How much:Beverage benefits: Daily, including right before a workout 3 to 4 cups The caffeine in green tea will help you work out longer. You’ll also shed more fat, thanks to compounds called catechins, which increase fat burn, especially during aerobic exercise. MORE: 5 Ways To Drink Green Tea For Weight Loss GINGER LEMONADEHow much:Best time to sip:Beverage benefits: Add ½ teaspoon grated ginger to 8 ounces of lemonade Daily Ginger, which contains anti-inflammatory compounds, has been found to ease postworkout muscle soreness by up to 25%. COFFEE How much:Best time to sip:this fun infographicBeverage benefits: Daily, especially before a workout Drink 3 to 4 cups prior to a workout (see all the health benefits of coffee in ). Caffeine can increase endurance and delay fatigue—helping you exercise longer and stronger.
