Foods That Feed Fitness
It’s a road that many have tried to take and failed because they did not know how to stay on it. Some start out with good intentions only to fall by the wayside because they are not dedicated to the task. And it is only a handful who make it because they know what it really takes to traverse the road to fitness and come out on top. Why is it easy for some of us to stay fit and healthy all our lives while others feel it is a constant struggle? The answer is simple – fitness is a combination of exercise and diet, and when you know the keys to unlocking the secrets to both these factors, you become fit and strong.
Being slim does not automatically equate to being fit. In fact, some slim people are out of breath after walking just a short distance. When you’re fit, your energy levels and stamina are high and you can do any activity with relative ease. While regular exercise (which includes the right combination of cardio workouts and strength training) gets you fighting fit, there are certain foods that complement your efforts in the gym and enhance your fitness.
Fun Fruits: The next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, reach out for that banana or a slice of fresh pineapple instead of the ice cream tub in the freezer and watch your energy soar. Fruits are nature’s way of rejuvenating your body and replenishing vital nutrients that you lose when you expend calories. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and fiber and they prevent your muscles from cramping due to dehydration during or after an intense workout. Once you finish your workout, you could eat some papaya and pineapple because the enzymes in these fruits help muscles recover after the strain they’ve been subjected to. And if you want strong and healthy bones, add some grapes to your daily diet as well.
Nutritious Nuts: They may be loaded with calories, but they’re good for you all the same. Almonds and walnuts boost your brain power and are rich in protein and fiber, both of which help improve your muscle mass. Their monounsaturated fat content provides various health benefits including improved memory and concentration. When you add a handful of dried fruits to your nuts, you have an unbeatable combination. They’re low in fat, good sources of iron, and make great pre-workout snacks because they’re light on the stomach and excellent stores of energy.
Cool Caffeine: That cup of coffee you drink may be really good for you depending on the time you drink it – caffeine has been known to help muscles recover after an intense workout and also reduce soreness and pain. It acts by blocking a chemical that activates the pain receptors in our body. Similarly, green tea is rich in antioxidants and prevents cell damage caused by resistance to exercise. A few cups after your exercise will expedite your recovery process.
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Jessica Martin has contributed this guest post, she writes on the topic of x ray tech schools . She welcomes your comments at her email address: jessica.martin1@rediffmail.com
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