6 Foods to maximize
your workout results

You are sticking to your workout, but don’t seem to be getting the results that you’re seeking? Perhaps the problem begins with what you’re putting in your mouth. As the cliché goes: abs are made in the kitchen.
To maximize your workouts, you need to consider if you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to work properly. Check out these foods that can help boost your gym results and then go get your gains!

Coffee

A proven performance enhancer, the caffeine in your cup stimulates your nervous system, heightens your alertness, increases your circulation and decreases your perceived exertion and pain levels during a workout. Studies show that to get the best results you should choose a caffeine and carb combo – pair your black cup with something easy to digest (like a banana) or opt for a latte with milk or a dairy substitute.

Oatmeal

A tried and true classic, oatmeal is full of fibre, low in fat and high in those slow-digesting complex carbs that the body loves to use for fuel. The perfect food for sustaining you through an intense sweat session, dynamic exercise class or lengthy endurance run.

Sweet Potatoes

An abundant source of Vitamin A (for anti-aging and eye health), sweet potatoes are also high in fibre, low in calories and water rich: all amazing things to support your body’s needs.

Interestingly, they also have less of an impact on spiking blood sugar levels than other starches like white potatoes and bread. Plus, they are a good source of potassium – which is awesome, because vigorous sweating increases the need for electrolytes that your body needs to work properly.

Bananas, Berries & Dates

Oh, trusty bananas, perhaps the ideal pre-workout snack. Easy to digest, chock full of carbohydrates and rich in potassium, bananas fuel you up and help prevent muscle cramps.

Strawberries, cherries, blueberries – whatever you prefer, they’re all a good choice.  The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of berries make them act a little like nature’s aspirin, great for soothing exercise-related muscle pain. They are also slow-digesting complex carbs and full of water, perfect for an energy boost and cellular hydration.

Dates are another great go-to for the fitness fiend. High in natural sugars but with a low glycaemic index, dates are packed with fibre, magnesium, vitamin B6 and iron, plus they are rich in potassium and antioxidants for soothing pain, cramping and inflammation.

Nuts & Nut Butters

An excellent ingredient to maximize muscle synthesis and stabilize energy levels, nuts and nut butters are full of healthy fats, protein and vitamins. Healthy fats offer sustained energy to get you through the exercise session and proteins are necessary to build and repair the muscles afterwards.

Eggs

Although eggs have been a somewhat controversial food item, we still think they’ve earned a place on this list. A nutritionally balanced choice: egg whites are loaded with protein and the yolk supplies your body with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. And eggs are a complete source of protein, containing all nine essential amino acids needed to repair and build muscle.

Bonus: Water                                                     

Been loading up on all these delicious foods but still feeling weak or fatigued during a workout? Drink some water! Dehydration is one of the key factors impacting physical performance.

Mix and match from the list above for the perfect meals pre-and post-workout. Swirl some peanut butter in your oatmeal, sprinkle some berries into your banana smoothie, or scramble some eggs with sweet potato hash browns. When properly fuelled your body may surprise you with what it can do.