For any of you budding endurance athletes out there, you’ll know just how physically demanding your sports and events truly are. They push you to your absolute limits, and leave you feeling both mentally and physically drained to the extreme. As a way of combating this, many of these endurance athletes tend to head to their grocery store or their favourite eateries, and load up on a whole host of different foods and beverages. The reason for this is really quite simple, no they aren’t just out for a cheat meal before the big event, nor are they just satisfying a craving, they’re doing it to fuel up their bodies, ready for the torture they’re going to be inflicting upon them the next day. Think of your body like a car, about to go on a long journey. Before you set off, you fill your car full of fuel, in order for you to arrive at your destination as quickly and safely as possible. Well, the same can be said for your bodies, instead rather than diesel or petrol/gasoline, your fuel is in the form of food. In this article we’ll be looking at four of the best foods for endurance athletes.
Oatmeal
The staple food of any nutritious breakfast, oatmeal is one of the most popular choices for sportsmen and women from all walks of life. It contains large amounts of fibre and iron, has a low glycemic index, and provides a slow and steady release of glycogen (energy) into the blood stream. Not only this, but it is also extremely high in vitamin B, and is rich in beneficial minerals and antioxidants. All of which are vital for any serious athlete or sports person.
Bananas
Loaded full of potassium and vitamin B6, bananas are one of the most popular pre- and post workout snacks in the entire world. Bananas are vital in helping to maintain a low and healthy blood sugar level, as well as for replenishing electrolytes which may be lost through physical exertion. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Sweet potatoes
These starchy vegetables are a great source of carbohydrates, as well as being rich in vitamins A and C. They can help to regulate and lower blood pressure, and taste pretty darn good too. Many athletes tend to be lacking in Iron, Manganese, and Copper, all of which help play a crucial part in healthy muscle function. Guess what? Yep, sweet potatoes are rich in all of these minerals, plus many more as well.
Salmon
Salmon is a great source of protein, which is rich in healthy fats, and omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and oils. These fatty acids are vital for joint mobility and repair, as well as brain function, skin quality, eyesight, and much, much more as well. Salmon contains high amounts of vitamins and minerals, and contains an antioxidant known as selenium, which plays a big part in helping to regulate the human heart. Having a healthy heart is vital for athletes, as their hearts are working so hard to pump oxygen rich blood around the body as quickly as possible.
