The verdict is in. Superfoods really do exist and they can definitely help in your athletic pursuits. Here are the top 5 superfoods for athletes.
The term superfood has had some debate around it over the past few years. The bottom line, however, is that some foods do have the superpower to charge us up and help us power through even the most difficult of our athletic pursuits.
You might be hitting the gym hard right now, deep in the pursuit of your 2020 fitness goals. And good for you! To keep that energy going, you’ll need the help of a diet filled with superfood items.
What are the top 5 superfoods that can keep you going and help you to be a better athlete? We’ll walk you through the ones you need to know about below.
1. Avocados
There’s always a lot of discussion about fats when it comes to our diets. At the end of the day, it’s important for those staying on top of their nutrition to recognize the difference between good fats and bad fats.
Bad fats are the kind that you might from eating sugary desserts, but there are good fats, and it’s what you’ll get when you chow down on some avocado. This is heart-healthy unsaturated fat, which can help keep you strong and healthy.
In addition to this dietary fiber, avocados have the extra value of containing almost twenty different kinds of vitamins and minerals. That’s right, a simple serving of avocado can get you your fair share of potassium, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, and much more.
There’s a reason that avocado is one of the staples of any good superfood restaurant. It’s one of the best foods for athletes out there.
2. Chia Seeds
If you don’t currently have chia seeds as part of your diet, you might have noticed them when walking through healthier brand supermarkets. These small seeds pack quite a punch when it comes to leveling up your nutrition.
There is no richer source of omega-3 fatty acids available from a plant source. Getting your fair share of omega-3 is important for your workouts because it can help to decrease inflammation in your muscles and joints. That means you can keep your workout going longer and stronger without pain.
They’re also a heavy source of fiber and protein, which can help to lower your cholesterol and stabilize your blood sugar.
If you don’t know how to eat chia seeds, don’t worry. They’re easy enough to throw in with milk, yogurt, or atop any sort of breakfast item. This way you can start your day out with a healthy punch.
3. Tempeh
You might be surprised to see this one on the list, as tempeh is mostly known as a meat-alternative used by vegetarians and vegans. However, it’s one of the most efficient sources of protein out there.
Tempeh contains all the essential amino acids and has just as much calcium as milk and as much iron as eggs. If you’re looking to get all the health benefits you normally get from a variety of sources in one place, cooking up some tempeh might be the way to go.
If you’re not used to preparing tempeh, it isn’t hard to get in the swing of it. Simply buy a block, dice it up, and marinate in delicious spices. You can then add it to stir-fries, salads, or any other sort of meal where you’d normally add protein products.
4. Beets
Beets and beetroots have been a staple of healthy diets for hundreds of years at this point. However, their value and reputation as a superfood have only increased in recent years. The nitrates actually found in beet juice have been found to increase athletic behavior and increase blood circulation in the body. Who would’ve thought?
Beets also contain a number of powerful and healthy antioxidants. These antioxidants actually have cancer-fighting properties, which means they keep your body, brain, and heart-healthy and strong in the long-run. You put your body through a lot when working as a full-time athlete, and it’s important you’re putting things into the engine that will protect you over your lifetime.
Beets can be prepared and eaten in a variety of ways, and there’s no one best way to prepare this delectable and healthy treat. However, we enjoy blending beets into a smoothie with your favorite other healthy options.
5. Mustard Greens
What’s the best leafy green out there? You might argue spinach, or maybe kale. The truth is, at least by our estimation: mustard greens.
That’s right, mustard greens offer the same benefits of these popular staples but even higher levels of vitamins C, A, and E. Not only can this help to keep your performance in the gym or on the field as strong as possible, you’ll also contribute to your overall skin health.
Mustard greens are easy to chop up and mix in or throw atop pasta, proteins, or any variety of dinners. They are versatile and that’s another advantage they have over something like kale. Not to mention, the taste of mustard greens seems to go down easier for many people– an undervalued trait!
The Top 5 Superfoods for Your Diet
No one needs to stay atop their nutrition more than a working athlete. It’s essential to maintain a proper diet if you need to work your body hard around the clock. Integrating the above top 5 superfoods can help to ensure your body is getting the nutritional additions it needs to run right.
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