Move Those Feet!

When you’re working hard at working out, the last thing you want to do is counteract your good exercise behavior with bad snacking habits. So what foods can help enhance your fitness routine?

• Grapes: These juicy little balls of refreshment are ideal as a pre-workout snack. They are light, rich in quick-energy carbohydrates, and easily digestible, plus they replace fluids and minerals lost when you sweat. A combination of grapes and bite-size cheese cubes make a great post-workout reviver as well.
• Celery: Crunchy and portable, celery is an athlete’s secret weapon. It’s rich in a string of nutrients that keep energy levels high. It has a slightly diuretic effect, and the higher sodium level can prevent a mineral imbalance that can result from drinking too much water during an energetic workout. Stalks of celery stuffed with low-fat soft cheese make a great snack on the run.
• Tomato juice: Mineral-packed, this is the perfect post-workout drink. It’s a healthy alternative to excessive water, replenishing fluid and sodium lost while sweating. It also works to keep minerals at a safe level during a workout.
• Pumpkin seeds: Exercise requires good circulation, and these nutritious nibbles are rich in a compound that can help. They are one of the richest natural sources of phytosterols, which reduce the risk of arteries narrowed by cholesterol. They are also rich in minerals and omega-3 oils, promoting healing and joint protection.
• Cashew nuts: There is no handier snack than a pack of nuts when you’ve worked up an appetite exercising. Cashews contain magnesium for strong bones and copper for increased energy. They’re also rich in monounsaturated fats for strong heart health. They make a great post-workout snack since the body continues to burn calories fast up to an hour after exercise.
• Pineapple:  This refreshing fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain that can help heal the aches, pains, and bruises that can result from vigorous exercise or playing sports. This enzyme, combined with the rich vitamin C content, means that snacking on pineapple can help the body to heal faster.
• Watermelon: This juicy fruit not only rehydrates and refreshes, but also provides minerals that help your body use its fluid most effectively. Even more, it gives a healthy dose of energizing B vitamins, plus anti-inflammatory vitamin C to soothe overworked body tissues. It is also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for cell damage prevention.

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