Having to work out every day should not feel like a burden. What’s more, it also needs to be exciting and exciting. Unfortunately, most routines that promote good health and fit bodies are either dull or tasteless, especially regarding diet and food choices. However, this should not be the case. Combining an exciting fitness regimen with delicious meals can be a motivating factor to get into it. Whether you work out from home or a gym addict with excellent discipline, you must enjoy your meals.
Fortunately, there are a few exciting ways that anyone can make their food enjoyable without necessarily affecting their fitness goals. Below are exciting ways to get this done.
1. Drink Some Milk
Whether you are taking milk as a refreshing cold drink or an energy boost, you are certainly on the right track. Milk is one of the most powerful hydrating and muscle healing proteins. If you do not like taking fresh plain milk, consider adding your favorite beverage. This can be anything from soya, chocolate, cocoa, coffee, and even tea. The bottom line is to ensure you have a cup of nutritious milk. It can be flavored or unflavored. Experts at USSEC will advise you to add your soy to milk because of its ability to improve your activity levels.
What’s more, milk will also help you get the necessary rest you need to properly start your next day. Chocolate milk, for example, is an athlete’s old secret when going through endurance training. The carbs and protein contained in the mixture are perfect for repairing the muscles after a long and hard workout session. This ensures that one stays energized and healthy enough for the next day’s workout session. Besides this, you can choose to go for a homemade milkshake or milk smoothie, which will accomplish the same task.
2. Have a Dried Fruit Snack
All active individuals need a boost of energy to stay on top of the game. Without such constant power, they are likely to get stuck due to low energy levels and boredom. One of the easiest ways to avoid this is to ensure that they replenish the used up energy. Taking dried fruits such as apricots, mangos, dates, and raisins is one of the easiest ways to boost your energy levels.
These dried fruits are full of natural sugars because they are a concentrated source of carbohydrates. In addition to the sugars, one stands to get enough vitamins, potassium, phytonutrients, and fiber when consuming dried fruits. Athletes with sensitive stomachs should consider substituting energy gels needed for long races with dried fruits to get the compact energy boost needed.
3. Sweet Potatoes
If you have a sweet tooth, you will love the idea of eating sweet potatoes for breakfast. They are some of the most exciting dishes to make — bake, mash, or boil, whichever preparation method works for you. The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes will help fight diseases, not to mention that they come with a healthy supply of vitamin C, iron, and fiber. Athletes, especially those who run marathons, will enjoy a serving of sweet potatoes before a long race.
4. Green Vegetables Especially Broccoli
Choose green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale for a perfect supply of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. These are nutrient-dense and can be prepared in an exciting way to make them suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They also have a natural supply of folic acid, which is good for a healthy heart. The calcium in them also helps with bone-building, which is crucial for all athletes. Choose to use green leafy vegetables instead of dairy products, especially if you are into endurance sports.
5. Include Tomatoes In Your Diet
Tomatoes come loaded with vitamin C and lycopene, which is an excellent antioxidant. Lycopene is a great disease-fighting agent, especially among men, to help fight prostate cancer. The vegetable also helps a fitness program, especially for people who want to lose weight, because it promotes leptin hormone production. Leptin helps regulate appetite and metabolic rates.
6. Brazilian Nuts
Nuts are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Brazilian nuts are also good sources of selenium, which is suitable for the immune system as it helps protect against heart conditions and cancers. It also helps with bad cholesterol, making it perfect for athletes and active individuals. Use it as an excellent post or pre-workout snack.
7. Bananas
Ordinary ripe bananas are great for athletes. They make a perfect source of energy and potassium, which is useful for easing muscle cramps. Bananas also have high serotonin amounts for boosting one’s mood. Additionally, they also have high amounts of lutein, which helps protect the eyes and are excellent when used as pre, post, and during workout drinks. Try making a whole banana smoothie with the peels since they are also packed with useful nutrients.
8. Blueberries
These superfoods are excellent because of the high level of antioxidants that fight free radicals. They also help lower calories in other foods. Consume them during or after workout sessions to get the most benefits. You can choose to go for frozen berries or fresh ones, depending on what is available with ease. Make a smoothie for a post-workout drink, or mix it with cereals for breakfast.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous workout, pre, and post-workout food options for active individuals. Choose what works for you and enjoy. Alternatively, mix things up to know what works best for you since people are different.
