8 Perfect Fitness Foods

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sammy
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8 Perfect Fitness Foods

Post by sammy » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:10 pm

thumbs up thumbs down 95% of users found this article helpful.

It's true: Spinach is muscle fuel. But not because it instantly turns you lean and sexy. Researchers from Rutgers University found that a compound in the leafy green increases protein synthesis by 120 percent, helping your muscle tissue to repair itself faster after you work out. The problem, however, is that you’d have to eat Popeye-sized quantities to experiences dramatic results (we’re talking almost 2 pounds of the iron-packed veggies a day). The good news is that spinach isn’t the only food that can help you to look and feel better than ever--even when you're not exercising.

The right fitness foods help burn fat, build muscle, and even boost your cardiovascular health. Ready to eat your way to better results? These 8 great foods and drinks are guaranteed to make any type of exercise you do more effective—long after you’ve broken a sweat.

EAT THIS!
PINEAPPLE AND PAPAYA
Good for: Muscle recovery
Both of these tropical fruits are loaded with bromelain and papain, enzymes that not only help break down proteins for digestion but also have anti-inflammatory properties to speed up your post-workout recovery.

SALMON

Good for: Cardiovascular fitness

Australian researchers found that cyclists who took fish oil for 8 weeks had lower heart rates and consumed less oxygen during intense bicycling than a control group did. The fatty acids in fish oil need to become incorporated into muscle and heart cells to have an effect, and that takes weeks of consumption—so either take fish oil pills each day, or try to eat fish rich in fatty acids multiple times a week to see similar results.

PB&J or PASTA WITH MEAT SAUCE
Good for: Muscle building and repair
The perfect post-weight training repast has about 400 calories, with 20 to 30 grams of protein (to build new muscle) and 50 to 65 grams of carbohydrates (to repair old muscle). Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or a small bowl of pasta with meat sauce fits that formula.

PORK TENDERLOIN
Good for: Waist-trimming
Lean meats are a great low-calorie source of protein, and scientists at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, found that eating more protein may reduce the fat around your midsection. People who ate 20 more grams of protein every day than the group average had 6 percent lower waist-to-hip ratios.

(For a list of foods to avoid—whether fitness is your goal or otherwise—check out our slideshow of the 30 worst foods in America).


DRINK THAT!


8 OUNCES OF CHOCOLATE MILK

Good for: Hydration

The best sports drink may come from a cow. British researchers found that milk does a better job than water or sports drinks at rehydrating the body after exercise. Why? To begin with, milk has more electrolytes and potassium. The addition of chocolate gives milk the perfect balance of carbs, protein, and fat for speedy muscle recovery.


COFFEE

Good for: Pain relief

University of Georgia scientists revealed that taking a caffeine supplement (equal to two cups of coffee) after exercise reduces muscle soreness more than pain relievers can. Caffeine blocks a chemical that activates pain receptors.



COLD WATER

Good for: Endurance

Drinking cold water before and during exercise can help improve your endurance. In a British study, cyclists who drank about 30 ounces of a chilled drink in the half hour before riding in a hot, humid environment—and smaller amounts as they rode—were able to bike 23 percent longer than riders who downed lukewarm liquids. Drinking cold water may be the most direct way to reduce core body temperature, so it takes you longer to heat up and slow down.


GREEN TEA

Good for: Muscle recovery

Brazilian scientists found that participants who consumed three cups of green tea every day for a week had fewer markers of the cell damage caused by resistance to exercise. So drinking a few cups every day may help your muscles recover faster after an intense workout.


To lose your belly fast and get in shape for summer, try the new Men's Health iPhone app. And don’t miss the newest book in the Eat This, Not That! series: The Best (and Worst!) Foods in America!



And please share your nutrition and weight-loss tips and tricks with the rest of us.

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BrokenBeaver
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon May 04, 2009 9:41 pm

Re: 8 Perfect Fitness Foods

Post by BrokenBeaver » Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:19 pm

No carbs after 8:00 pm

Plenty of Dark leafy greens.

Broccoli and brown rice.

I also drink cold tea while working out, accord to what I've read it is the best drink to consume while lifting.

Almonds are your best friend.

Avocado also are very good for you.

I try to stay away from carbs loaded foods myself, but thats just my personal preference.

Eggs are also your best friend, for a period of time I was consuming a total of 18 eggs a day. 7 egg whites + 2 whole eggs twice a day.

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sueme
Posts: 44
Joined: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:49 pm
Location: orange county california

Re: 8 Perfect Fitness Foods

Post by sueme » Mon Mar 25, 2013 5:53 pm

interesting article, gonna save this in my files .get ready for the summer 8-)

Henry
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:00 pm

Re: 8 Perfect Fitness Foods

Post by Henry » Sun Nov 04, 2018 11:15 pm

Nuts are an incredible wellspring of heart solid fats and furthermore give protein and fundamental supplements, they can give you a wellspring of managed vitality for your exercise....

Evangelist
Posts: 520
Joined: Sat Oct 18, 2008 12:35 pm
Location: Dallas, TX

Re: 8 Perfect Fitness Foods

Post by Evangelist » Thu Nov 08, 2018 10:39 pm

Baked potato with hot sauce only.

Did that for years and it helped greatly.
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