The past two decades have seen a significant increase in the number obese individuals in the US. Estimates note that roughly 20% of our population across all 50 states are suffering from obesity. In light of these depressing figures, the effort has been renewed to create awareness of the importance of workouts and proper nutrition.
Those wanting to lose weight typically head to the gym to exercise and tone their flabby muscles, but apart from this, there is a critical factor that will make your daily workouts count: a healthy diet.
Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, and every training coach knows that the key to shedding the extra pounds is to strike a perfect balance between what you do and what you eat.
Eat This!
1. Tropical Fruits
Fruits such as papaya and pineapple are brimming with healthy enzymes (bromelain and papain) that are known to hasten the breakdown of proteins for faster and easier digestion. On top of that, these tropical favorites are loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that are essential to ensuring the body’s quick recovery from muscle tension and injuries so common among workout fanatics.
2. Salmon
Fish in general is a healthy source of protein, but salmon is a cut above the rest when it comes to benefiting those who subject their body to rigorous daily training. Fish oil can significantly reduce heart rates and allows the body to consume less oxygen, even when under heavy fitness programs. Salmon, a fish rich in natural fatty acids, induces this same effect with a more appetizing taste.
3. Pasta with Meat Sauce
This tasty dish contains just the right amount of calories, protein, and carbohydrates to be a great facilitator for repairing and building muscles.
4. Tenderloin
Lean meat choices are always better suited to those watching their calorie intake. As evidenced by a recent study, eating lean protein such as tenderloin can dramatically take off inches from your waist.
Drink Up!
1. Chocolate Milk
Yes, you read that right: chocolate milk, at the right amount, is excellent for your body and can help supplement your daily visits to the gym. Instead of gulping down sport drinks, try drinking 8 ounces of chocolate milk a day, and you will be surprised by how it can help re-hydrate your body. Why is this so? Milk is naturally rich in electrolytes and potassium that helps restore fluid in your body. Apart from the fact that they taste great, chocolate milk also helps your body create a perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat that improves the resiliency of your muscles.
2. Coffee
If you think that drinking coffee is only for keeping you awake, think again. Coffee has natural pain relieving elements that can help soothe your tired and aching body.
3. Cold Water
Guzzling down a glass of cold water before and during our training can help boost your stamina, as it effectively reduces your body temperature, making you feel more energized.
With the right food and drinks to supplement your workout, you can easily tip the scales in your favor and achieve the weight you have always dreamed of.
Jimmy is the fitness writer for IdealFeet.com, a company dedicated to providing foot pain solutions for athletes and educating adults on the common causes of plantar fasciitis.