By Tami Charbonnet
[title maintitle=”” subtitle=”7 Fresh Foods Used by Endurance Athletes to Increase Energy “]
Cool, crisp weather inspires us to step up our training. Are you walking, jogging or training for a race? Eating fresh food rich in vitamins and nutrients is vital to maintaining energy levels before, during and after training. To help energize your body, add the following foods to your daily nutritional intake.
Bananas: Bananas are high in potassium and are often found at pre-race fuel stations. Potassium is a vital electrolyte lost in sweat during endurance training.
Steel-Cut Oatmeal: Start your day with one bowl of organic steel-cut oatmeal. Oatmeal provides both fiber and healthy carbohydrates. Fiber keeps you full, and carbohydrates provide fuel for the endurance athlete.
Walnuts: As a tasty source of omega-3 fatty acid, a few walnuts are a great addition to any meal.
Chia Seeds: These seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids and 20 amino acids to keep your training strong.
SWEET POTATOES: A staple food for endurance athletes, the sweet potato is an excellent source of dietary fiber, beta carotene, vitamin A and antioxidants.
Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as Swiss chard, kale and collard greens are loaded with fiber and nutrients that lower blood cholesterol levels, vitamin K to help support bone strength, calcium, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, iron and many other vital nutrients for endurance training.
Wild Salmon: Salmon is the ultimate source for omega-3 fatty acids, which help the body’s metabolic processes.
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Morning Bowl of Energy
1 cup of cooked organic steel-cut oatmeal
1 banana sliced into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup of fresh blueberries
1 pinch of chia seeds
2 crushed walnuts
• Stir together and enjoy!
