Your diet can make or break your workout. What you eat and when you eat it matters—especially if you want to maximize your time at the gym. It’s no longer up to sugary sports drinks and energy bars to give you extra energy.
It turns out the real power players in the science of sports nutrition are natural foods. The best part is, you likely already have everything you need in your fridge at home. Here are a few of the best foods to eat for energy:
BROWN RICE
Unlike the white fluffy stuff you order from your go-to Chinese restaurant, brown rice packs a powerful nutritional punch. It’s a complex carb and a great source of fiber, which helps fuel your body with glucose. The healthy grain also contains magnesium, which works with calcium to help your muscles contract. Eat it about an hour before your hit the gym to avoid getting stomach cramps.
HONEY
Besides being sweet and insanely versatile, honey helps boost your energy during activity. Next time you’re feeling drained during training, mix some cold water with ice, lemon and a teaspoon of honey to rehydrate and refuel. Honey naturally has equal parts glucose and fructose— and research says it’s better to consume this carb blend, then the straight-up glucose concoction found in most sports drinks.
PINEAPPLE
If you really want to elevate your fitness, you’ve got to look at the whole picture. That means you’re conscious of what you’re eating both before and after the gym. Pineapple is a perfect post-workout snack. It’s packed full of a natural anti-inflammatory called bromelian, which helps to soothe swollen connective tissue and muscles.
*Not to mention, research published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that the more fruits and veggies you eat stuff you eat (around 7 portions), the more engaged, happy and creative you tend to be. Snack on pineapple for a more energized mind at the gym and better recovery at home.
