6 Superfoods for a Better Workout

The year has started; you’ve been staying committed to your New Years Resolutions to make this year your healthiest yet.

Maybe you are killin’ it at the gym, rocking that yoga class, or on the top of your Corssfit team’s board.

We want to help you keep going strong so we’ve come up with our favorite 6 superfoods that will have you running faster, training harder, and stretching further.

Matcha

Matcha is a powder form of green tea that’s less processed than most types you’ll find at the store. It’s loaded with energy producing EGCG. Not only does this compound help to produce a natural, non-jittery form of energy but it can enhance the body’s ability to burn fat.

On top of that Matcha contains high amounts of the amino acid called L-theanine, which the body uses to produce the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Consuming Matcha tea can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and help to balance hormones like cortisol helping to promote a healthy weight.

Have a cup of Matcha tea or a Matcha latte an hour before your workout to boost your mood and energy.

Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds are quickly becoming one of the most popular pre-workout superfoods available. What makes them so special?

For starters they aid the body in absorbing and holding water, helping to prevent dehydration. Proper hydration during a workout can increase your stamina and endurance.

Chia Seeds also contain prime nutrients that support your muscles and heart including magnesium, potassium, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and calcium.

Try mixing 1 Tbsp of Chia Seeds with 8oz-16oz of your favorite cold pressed juice 1 hour before a work out for optimal hydration and energy.

Maca

Maca is a Paruvian root that provides a long, lasting stream of energy. If you are looking to really increase stamina, endurance, and turn your energy up to 11 this is the superfood for you!

It also reduces stress, muscle cramps, balances inflammation, and decreases physical exhaustion.

Plus maca powder has also been shown to help the body burn more stored fat instead of sugar during a workout, leading to a leaner more toned body.

Use it directly after your workouts to help your muscles recover more quickly or before to put a zing in your step.

Cacao

Chocolate? Yes! Cacao is the natural version of chocolate and not only does it taste incredible but it can be your best friend when it comes to working out.

This wonderful superfood has a compound called theobromine in it that interacts with your body to produce a gentle yet strong source of energy that’s the perfect thing to push you through a workout.

The antioxidants in Cacao Powder work to balance inflammation that occurs after a workout making you less likely to be super sore the next day.

Cacao Powder is also high in muscle supporting and relaxing magnesium, which aids in recovery.

Spirulina & Chlorella

Exercising on a consistent basis causes you body to use up vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals faster that it normally would. It’s not really a problem as long as you are replacing the ones you lose.

Spirulina and Chlorella are single celled algae that, luckily for us, are full of a variety of nutrients including iron. The body uses this mineral to create healthy red blood cells that oxygenate the blood. Having good red blood cells increases your ability to build and maintain lean muscle mass. Working out can increase your bodies needs so loading up on Spirulina and Chlorella can help keep your blood cells in tip top shape.

These two algae are also a great source of B vitamins which are essential in the creation of ATP, energy, in the body. If you are low in these nutrients you are more likely to feel tired, sluggish, and have a hard time getting through your exercises.

Camu Camu

When we exercise little tares are created in the muscle tissue and oxidative damage can occurs. This is a normal and natural process that the body fixes. That’s part of the reason why after each workout we become stronger and have better immunity.

One of the main nutrients that is used to help repair those tears is vitamin C. It’s works to build and repair collagen in our skin, joints, and ligaments.

Our immune system also relies heavily on it to balance out post-workout inflammation and combat fatigue.

Camu Camu Powder is the world’s most potent source of natural vitamin C. Taking a teaspoon before or after a sweat-sesh will increase your chances of keeping a happy, healthy, strong body with a fabulous immune system.

Related: If You Only Eat 5 Superfoods, Eat These

Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.