Foods that Optimize Your Fitness Performance

Whether you are a fitness novice or a pro, it’s great to know which foods can enhance your athletic performance and which foods can hinder performance. H3 Healthy Kitchen Chef and avid Crossfitter Karla Williams shares her list of foods that optimize fitness performance and foods that just don't. Don't be stingy with this list, be sure to share these tips with your workout buddies!

Best foods:

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  Nuts and Seeds

  
  

Wait a minute… how am I going to get swole eating like a bird?

Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients and omega 3 fatty acids which will fuel your recovery after an intense workout. Nuts and seeds are calorically dense, making them the perfect on the go snacks or add-in to a satisfying smoothie.

Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, etc...

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  Carbohydrates

  
  

I do Crossfit, should I have carbs? Yes! You belong together!

Whole grains are complex carbohydrates, meaning they digest slowly in your body allowing your body to absorb several nutrients. Simple carbohydrates; (candy, white rice, white bread) have been stripped of its nutrients during processing leaving your body with little nutrients to absorb. When carbohydrates are digested they are absorbed as glycogen that will replenish depleted muscular tissue after any extreme workout. The correct carbohydrate sources will provide athletes with ongoing energy and stamina to get every repetition they deserve. Don’t go all caveman on us, athletes need carbohydrates! Portion control carbohydrates and mostly consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetable carbohydrate sources.

Quinoa, barley, sweet potatoes, beets, beans, farro, etc…

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  Healthy Proteins  

  
  

Bacon?

No, bacon is not a healthy protein. Despite what that ripped athlete at your gym tells you, it’s not the best protein source to over consume. Protein is used for muscle repair and construction. If you are looking to add some pounds to your one rep max back squat, be sure you are consuming an adequate amount of protein. Our bodies need protein to build muscle meaning more strength.

Focus on consuming healthy proteins; salmon, eggs, chicken, pork tenderloin, beans, and quinoa for example.

Worst Foods

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  Alcohol

  
  

Nothing will slow you down quite like alcohol, it has lasting negative effects on fitness training and performance. Alcohol has no nutritional value, meaning it is just empty calories. Also, it has been shown to hinder recovery and disrupt sleep, two very important factors in any training program!

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  Processed Foods, i.e., granola bars, pastries, crackers

  
  

Processed foods are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. The sugar will increase your waistline making those pull-ups, push-ups, and handstand push-ups even more difficult. In addition, these processed treats do not provide the nutrient density that other whole foods deliver, leaving your body short of necessary nutrients to aid in recovery.

Need a recipe redo to replace an unhealthy favorites? Email us at getinspired@hhhealth.com and we can give you a healthy recipe alternative.