Fitness foods that help you get in shape
The right foods can help you build muscle, improve endurance and speed up regeneration. With different foods you can get better and more energy! Some foods even prevent inflammation and relieve muscle pain. Read on to check which ones!
Beetroot juice
Recent research suggests that this red root may be more effective in increasing energy than caffeine. British scientists have found that beetroot juice increases endurance and vitality, thus allowing 16% longer training or physical activity. Beetroot contains nitrates, which helps lower oxygen consumption, which means that physical activity is not as tiring. So, grab your juicer before the workout and make yourself an amazing beetroot juice!
Honey
Honey contains natural carbohydrates and sugars that boost your energy. For breakfast, spread it on a piece of rye bread together with peanut butter and few banana slices. You will be awake and ready for new challenges!
Plant-based protein for better regeneration after an exercise
We have some good news for vegetarians and those who don’t like meat. Research has shown that plant-based proteins have the same beneficial effect on muscle as those of animal origin. Many famous basketball, hockey and tennis players have started consuming only plant-based proteins. Most importantly, their game did NOT deteriorate due to the type of food they consume.
Pea and rice proteins are part of the diet of every active athlete and fitness enthusiastic. These two plants complement each other with the content of proteins and essential amino acids. Pea and rice proteins can also go together with any animal protein such as whey.
Blueberries against inflammation
Blueberries are very rich in many phytonutrients that have both – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. You can enrich your smoothies and cakes with blueberries, or just enjoy them solo.
Watermelon reduces muscle pain
One way for the body to recover quickly after a workout is watermelon juice (natural one!). It relieves muscle pain, thanks to its composition of amino acids (L-citrulline), which contribute to the lower the lactic acid in the body. It is recommended to drink the juice one hour before training and up to one hour after training.
Watermelons reduce fluid retention in the body, help with constipation, skin problems and promote weight loss. Because they contain a lot of water, they give a feeling of satiety. In addition, watermelons contain very few calories. Watermelons also increase the absorption of healthy fats and prevent the onset of muscle pain.
Avocado
Avocado is an amazing fruit. It perfectly protects cells, as it contains a lot of anti-inflammatory nutrients such as phytosterols, vitamins C and E, manganese, selenium and zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and many other compounds. Make a nutritious raw soup, dessert or sauce with avocado. Be creative.
Turmeric is one of the healthiest foods in the world. It contains powerful antioxidant, curcumin, which has a very positive effect on the whole body. Heals and eliminates inflammation, also eliminates muscle pain. When exercising, add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to your diet.
Water
Water also plays a very important role in muscle recovery after sports activity. Therefore, it is very important that you drink a sufficient amount of water before and after training. Half a litre half an hour before training and half a litre after training. If the sport you are doing is strenuous, you should also drink water in between. Muscles also need electrolytes, add them to your water!
