It is amazing how many people are willing to adapt to new technology in health and sports, but are still doing things the old fashioned way when it comes to the nutritional aspect of their well-being.
We buy pedometers and heart rate monitors; we run in the latest and newest innovations in shoes; but before we work out, we still slam back heavy foods; during, we consume sugary drinks and thick, viscous gel packs; afterwards, we gorge on fat and processed junk.
Sure, eating vegan would me much healthier, but the common misconception is that a vegan diet would be lacking in much of the energy-providing foodstuffs that a regular diet would provide. After all, eating vegan means limiting your intake so drastically, that you’re left with nothing but fruits and vegetables, right?
Wrong. A vegan diet can actually improve your athletic prowess, by providing you with the energy you never thought you could get from such basic and delicious foods.
Nuts are one of the best snacks you can have when you’re out on the run. Absolutely portable and incredibly easy to control for portions, you can have a handful of almonds in a bag in your pocket at all times, ready for when the munchies hit or your energy levels start to drop. Leave the energy bars at home, and load up on nuts instead.
Water is essential to having more energy, and the ultimate vegan food. While many of us take a pull on an electrolyte-enhanced drink or even a cup of coffee, we are getting the fluidity of the water but weighing it down with additives that you body could do without. Staying hydrated while you work is a sure way to get more out of your body, no matter what you are doing.
Goji berries have gotten a lot of press lately for their phenomenal health properties, one of which is the quick energy their natural sugars can provide you. In their dried form, these little wonders can go anywhere with you, and give you a quick burst of energy when you need it most.
Hummus and pita might sound like a fancy appetizer, but in actual fact, it is the best possible snack food you can find for during a prolonged workout. This tasty treat is light, which means you won’t feel the weight of it, sending you into cramps when the workout gets tough. But for all the lightness and flavor, you will find a ton of energy – so much so, that many ultra-marathon runners chose this as their on-the-run snack.
Strawberries can also help to give you energy without leaving the vegan track. Rich in vitamins and flavor, these berries are also calorie-neutral, which means that you get the sugars and vitamins, without having to worry about burning off the excess calories.
After you’re finished your workout, kale is a great choice to recoup some of the power you’ve burned off. For ease of eating, you can make a delicious green smoothie that will do more for you than the oft-recommended chocolate milk could ever dream of.
energy bars gives me the energy i need specially during heavy workouts ;
veggan foods are always the best for anyones health because it is low fat and low sodium “
Thank you so much, I love to read about other vegetarians as it gives me the strength to continue. I have about a thousand vegetarian feeds in my google reader, but I’m sure another can’t hurt!! I did manage to find a good lentil recipe here, but I’ll be sure to try yours too. Thanks!
some energy bars are just too sweet for my own taste. is there a sugar free energy bar? ,,;