The work that you put into
training doesn’t always give the expected results. Most athletes agree that
what you do in the kitchen effects what you get out of your workouts. Paying
attention to what goes in your body will help you achieve how you want your
body to respond.
Best Foods for Cutting Fat
You’ve intensified your
workouts and increased your training schedule, but you still can’t lose those
last 5 pounds, or look as trimmed as you hoped. If you are having trouble
finding slimming results, try these foods.
Quinoa
If you haven’t heard of this
grain, it’s time to get comfortable with it. Quinoa is a great replacement for
rice and is high in protein and fiber. This super food helps fill you up while
providing necessary nutrients for your day.
Dark Chocolate
Quite a controversial pick
for this list, but dark chocolate in small amounts can help slow down your body
from processing food. In addition to helping you feel full longer, dark
chocolate is a natural antioxidant.
Broccoli
Otherwise known as little
trees, this vegetable has an added bonus of lowering your risk of lung and
colon cancer. Broccoli has few carbs, fats and calories, so if you are in need
of a binge it’s best to binge on these veggies.
Chili Peppers
Spicy food lovers rejoice,
because hot peppers help you burn fat and calories. Chili peppers not only help
cut calories, they are also rich in fiber, which means you stay full for
longer.
Best Pre Workout Snacks
Your pre-workout food should
be all about packing your body with the fuel necessary to get you through a run
without feeling hungry or losing all energy before you finish.
Oranges
If you are going for a short
run and don’t want to throw off your diet before, oranges are a simple
solution. Oranges contain few calories, and the vitamin C helps your muscles
recover during your run. As an added bonus, they are easy to carry for when you
are on the go.
Hummus
This is my personal favorite
treat, because hummus is high in carbs and protein and a great dipping sauce
for any vegetable. Seriously, hummus pairs well with almost any vegetable.
Having a hummus treat before long runs will help you stave off hunger when you
would normally feel like you are about to hit a wall.
Oatmeal
Looking for a way to feel
full, without feeling like you need a nap after eating? Oatmeal is your best
bet. Packed with whole grains, fiber, and iron, this quick treat seems to have
it all. If you haven’t been able to stomach oatmeal because of texture, try adding
more water to make it less lumpy, or less water to make it less runny. For
longer runs, sprinkle your oatmeal with a little bit of cinnamon or sugar to
help with fuel intake.
Post Workout
For your recovery food, you
want to focus on proteins to help rebuild your muscles and carbs to help
prevent injuries from training too hard.
Bananas
Bananas are high in carbs,
and not to mention an easy on the go snack. They also help you feel full, so
you can eat bananas before or after workouts. I recommend after, because the
last thing I want to do is cook after a workout.
Tuna
Tuna is high in protein and
with recent developments in packaging, easy to take on the go. If you have the
time after your workout and want to add an extra bonus, tuna pairs well with avocadoes.
Pairing with avocados also helps you receive your healthy fats for the day.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
It may be a no brainer, but
hard-boiled eggs are packed with protein. Two hard-boiled eggs can help you
receive the protein your body craves. If you choose not to eat yolks, four hard-boiled
eggs without yolks will equal the same amount of protein in two full eggs. They
are also easy to prep all at once, so you don’t have to stress about planning
what to eat.
A Complete Meal
If your training takes every
last second until dinner, you probably are craving a complete meal. Whole-wheat
pasta and tomato sauce will be heaven to your body. This pair is loaded with
carbs and vitamins, kick starting your way to recovery. Add some lean protein
like turkey and your dinner is complete.
Clean-Up
Paying attention to what
fuel you put into your body will help get the results you are looking for.
Nutrition isn’t always easy to stay on track with, but it doesn’t have to taste
like cardboard.
Happy Munching!
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