Power Up Your Bod: Breakfast
Kick your AM sweat sesh into high gear with these 5 breakfast foods
Make no mistake about it, your body is capable of being a high performance machine. Even if you read that statement and immediately shake your head no, you have to agree that you've had mornings where you were exercising and performing at your best and other mornings where you felt sluggish and tired halfway thru your workout. It's not a "secret," it's simply this:
A great body results from consistently performing well in your workouts. And your ability to perform is a direct result of properly fueling your body.
Your body has been deprived of food all night long, so how will you replenish your energy stores and break the fast? As the age old saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! And when it comes to getting the most out of your workouts (whether it is AM or PM), getting your breakfast nutrition right is "number uno." Here are 5 essential breakfast foods to make you buff-n-tuff-n-stuff:
OLD FASHIONED OATMEAL - 100% natural rolled oats (ditch the packaged flavored oats). Oatmeal is the carb-O-choice to go with your morning protein and it is a good source of solute fiber. It will make your feel satisfied and sustain you through your workout and the car ride home
EGGS - How do you like your eggs in the morning? Full of muscle building protein please!Luckily, eggs are a carb-free, high protein breakfast item no matter if they are scrambled or poached. If you are looking to control fat intake, then opt for egg whites. Check this: 2 scrambled egg whites have 8 grams of protein and 0.1 grams of fat (score!)
FAT FREE GREEK YOGURT OR COTTAGE CHEESE - Great source of calcium, vitamin D and protein! Low carb and up to 10 grams of protein per serving BUT watch the labels on those flavored yogurts. Steer clear of those that are packed with sugar. If you want to add a healthful addition to your bowl, add some fresh berries
FRUIT - Whole, fresh fruit at the peak of season is as good as candy! Go to the local farmer's market and you'll see why seasonal fruit is the best. Oh and an apple a day keeps the doctor away because they are chalked full of vitamins, minerals and fibers
BLACK COFFEE - Ok! It's not a food but for most people it is the first thing they think about when they wake up in the morning. There is good news for you! Several studies have shown a link between caffeine intake before exercise and increased athletic performance. To gain an edge, coffee may be just what you need for focus. So drink up buttercup.....Just remember that coffee is full of caffeine but contains zero protein or complex carbs for your body to metabolize as fuel. Thus the infamous caffeine crash! So you're gonna need to eat some food as well for energy stores. See your food friends above and make sure to avoid sugar and fatty creams with your cup of joe
