Ever hear some of your friends complain that they can’t lose weight, no matter what they try? It’s a common complaint, especially among people that work out but still have terrible diets. Let’s be clear about something guys: you can’t expect to see real results from your training if you’re stuffing your hole with junk!
Not everyone can afford a nutritionist. The good news is it’s not that hard to get yourself on the right path if you know a few basics. So I’ve decided to give you guys a list of the best power foods that you can eat.
1) Protein Powder
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: it’s only for muscle heads. Not true. Whey protein is a cheap and effective way to get the protein your muscles need after a workout. They can also help suppress appetite, and it takes more energy to burn protein than it does fat or carbs. For maximum results, try having a shake after a workout, or as a late night snack!
2) Almonds
These puppies are loaded with energy. Just a handful can contain as many as 300 calories. After a workout, they can help give you a boost to avoid feeling sluggish, and they contain a lot of good fat your body needs that is crucial for hormone production (especially testosterone). Make sure you get the non salted kind, though.
3) Egg Whites
Bodybuilders often eat egg whites in conjunction with their protein shakes, mainly due to the fact that they contain slow absorbing proteins that will continue to feed the muscles long after their whey shakes do. Most of the time, this product comes in a small milk carton, and has been pasteurized. If that’s the case, feel free to mix it in your shake for maximum effect.
4) Whole Wheat Pasta
Not all carbs are created equal. Some give you a big boost of energy momentarily, and then make you feel slow and sluggish. Not true for whole wheat products. Their carbs take longer to break down, which means that your blood sugar won’t spike up and down. You’ll have more energy, and for longer. Also, the fiber will help your digestion, which is another thing you want to keep in top shape.
5) Fish
Everyone is always telling you about Omega-3, and I bet it’s getting annoying. Well, don’t ignore this essential fat! It helps in the circulation of blood, prevents clots, and generally cleans out your veins of all the bad fats you have been eating. Try and avoid canned fish; most have been heavily processed and lose most of their health benefits.
6) Peanut Butter
This magic little snack is packed with plenty of good protein and fat, and also has a lot of calories. The trick is to avoid the processed stuff. Instead, choose natural peanut butter, often found at health foods stores. You might think by looking at the nutrition labels that there’s no difference between the brand names and natural stuff, but processed sugars and natural sugars are a world apart!
7) Olive Oil
When you cook, the type of oil you use can make the difference between a great meal, and an unhealthy meal. Extra virgin oil contains good fats, as well as vitamin E, which helps keep your cholesterol down.
Spinach
Yeah, you knew that one would come popping in there eventually. Popeye had it right! This great leafy vegetable contains lots of iron (important for proper blood flow) and calcium (which helps repair and keep your bones strong).
Of course, the health benefits can be negated if you drown it in cheese or any creamy sauce. I personally like it as a salad, since I can also enjoy the fiber it provides raw. Those of you who aren’t lettuce fans, try a spinach salad instead. I was pretty anti-salad in my early years until I discovered that spinach was actually pretty great stuff!
9) Beans
You all know the song so I don’t need to repeat it. Beans contain good proteins, help burn fat, and they have fiber which helps digestion. If you don’t mind the gaseous properties, then dig in.
10) Brown Rice
Just like whole wheat pasta, brown rice has slow burning carbs, and this will help keep your insulin levels low. It’s also important to note that spikes in blood sugar are what makes your body store the extra energy as fat.
Conclusion
You might not be a nutrition expert, but with the right kinds of foods, you can help your body get the most out of your workouts. They say “you are what you eat.” Well, just ask anyone you know that eats healthy how they feel. It’s usually the same answer: fantastic!
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