Super foods!

The similarities between sport and business are well known. In both cases, doing things faster, differently or more efficiently can result in success. Yet no matter how hard we work, it seems like we never have enough time or energy to meet each of our goals! Have I gotten your attention? Yeah, I thought I might! It’s time to s top feeling sluggish with low energy and time to think about working smarter, not just harder. It is time to look at some Super Power Foods!

1) Beetroot juice
Nitrates from beetroot juice can improve exercise endurance. When your body processes the nitrates in the beet juice it increases your levels of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide then relaxes and expands blood vessels. More blood carrying oxygen and nutrients now flow to the active muscles. The nitrates also make your muscles work more efficiently by decreasing the amount of oxygen they need.

2) Goji berries
These energy-boosting berries have the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods. They are very high in antioxidants, minerals, and contain 18 amino acids. Goji berries have 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges and are a complete source of protein. Navitas Naturals is a good company for Goji berries.

3) Maca
Has the ability to help your body cope with stress, balance hormones and support your adrenal gland. This makes maca a powerful nutritional tool for post-training recovery. It can also be used as an energy-booster.

4) Chia seeds
The tiny, tasteless seeds recently got noticed in the book Born to Run. Mysterious Indians of Mexico ran barefoot across miles of deadly canyons fueled by chia seeds. Their unique nutrient profile makes chia seeds a great choice for endurance athletes.

5) Medjool Dates
Dates are a great source of glucose, the best primary fuel before or during high-intensity activity, burning quickly. Replenish every 20 minutes.

6) Coconut water
When you sweat you need more than just water. You must also replace electrolytes. Coconut water is a delicious, natural source of electrolytes, making it a perfect, whole food sports drink that will keep you hydrated under tough conditions.

7) Yerba mate (herb)
One of the healthiest and most effective stimulants is yerba mate. A nutritional powerhouse, yerba mate is packed with minerals, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. High in caffeine, yerba mate is usually brewed like tea, but can be added to sport-specific recipes as an energy booster when ground to a fine powder.

8) Chlorella or Spirulina
Specifically targeted to helping your body recover from exercise. Its ability to stimulate cellular regeneration makes it an ideal food to include in your training nutrition. Highly alkaline-forming and also detoxifying. Since your body functions best in an alkaline state—and the stress of high-intensity exercise can contribute to acidity—including a strong alkalizer in your recovery nutrition can speed recovery. The detoxifying effects of chlorella are helpful in clearing the lactic acid that can build up in your muscles after exertion.

9) Mushroom (Immune 7 mushroom blend pill or Cordyceps)
Mushrooms help with stamina, health and athletic performance. Enhanced immune system functionality as well as improved stamina in endurance athletes via increased aerobic capacity and oxygen utilization as well as stabilized blood sugar metabolism. It has been used by Chinese Olympic Track & Field athletes

10) Tumeric
One of the most powerful anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories on the planet. Helps with inflammation which allows muscular repair.

Evidence suggests that people who eat diets rich in turmeric have lower rates of cancers. If you are looking for an easy way to incorporate Tumeric as part of your recovery, check out the Vega Sport recovery line. Vega has formulated their products using Tumeric!