Fitness Foods for Energy

There are certain foods that if you eat them before a workout, you’ll feel sluggish and unmotivated to work. These are generally processed “white” foods that give you a quick sugar high and than make you plummet, leaving you low and feeling…blah. What you want to eat before a workout are power foods-foods that give you a boost of energy and make you feel strong and on top of the world. Like these:

1. A whole grain bagel with peanut butter. This is a great pre-workout meal as the whole grains will fill you up and keep you full through the duration of your workout (thank you, fiber!) and the peanut butter will give you muscle-building power (thank you, protein).
2. Oranges. Vitamin C gives you a little pick-me-up as well as makes bones and muscles strong by encouraging collagen production in your body.
3. Potatoes. Before a work out is not a time to be carb-shy. Potatoes (with a sprinkle of salt) are great for heavy sweaters (people who sweat a lot, not your furry cardigan). We lose electrolytes through our sweat and we can replace them with the sodium and potassium found in your baked tater with salt.
4. Acai. Acai, as well as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cranberries, are loaded with antioxidants that will help prevent muscle damage during a hard core workout. Antioxidants block free radicals from penetrating muscles and joints, so a daily dose is recommended, especially before a workout. If it’s not berry season, it may be hard to find berries for your pre-workout smoothie, so consider buying Acai Effect, an all-natural weight loss supplement that also gives a boost of antioxidant-rich energy.
5. Salmon. The monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids that are found in salmon are great for your heart and may also reduce belly fat. Load up on salmon, walnuts, or ground flaxseeds before a workout to increase strength and the make your flab vulnerable to weight loss.