Fuel Up with Real Food – Really!

From pre-workout fuel to post-workout recovery, nutrient dense food plays a huge role in exercise efficiency.

Have you heard the one about beets and endurance? Percolating around medical and athletic communities are studies that link this lovely root veggie to increased stamina and endurance, due to a little molecule known as nitrate. Human saliva transforms nitrate into nitrite, which signals your blood vessels to expand and allows your blood to oxygenate more quickly. The result? Measurably improved endurance. Paired with its wholesome carbohydrate qualities, beets are an ideal pre- and post-workout vessel of nutrients – but there are plenty more ways to optimize your workouts through nutrition, too!

Starting with the most simple suggestion, let’s talk beet juice. Full of powerful antioxidants and nitrates, with a desirably smooth taste, our Organic Beet Juices are 100% natural and gluten-free, which no added sugars, artificial colors or preservatives. We love to sip it pre-game and post-game, no matter the activity, for an all natural energy boost (and bonus hydration!).

unspecified-77

Looking for something with a bit more chew? We’re “nuts” for the healthy snacks and high protein bites from our friends at nuts.com! They have oodles of options, plenty of which are protein packed. Protein is vital post-sweat because it promotes muscle synthesis. Whether you choose to get your protein from plants (pea protein and edamame are primo sources of protein!) or from animals (jerkies have come a long way, and can be found as beef, salmon, or even bison), experts agree that consuming protein after physical activity helps the body recover and helps to grow muscle.

nuts_post_workout_snacks_2x_v04

Sometimes, we want a little more than a snack after a long run or a fast swim. When serious hanger (hunger-induced anger) strikes, we love to whip up a nutrient dense power bowl. A bright, crunchy blend of beets, spinach, sweet potato, broccoli, and a zesty homemade dressing is a balanced bowl of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber – also known as the makings of a happy body and soul!

unspecified-75Pro-tip? Prep your veggies all at once to make power bowl assembly lightning fast. Roast up your sweet potatoes, rinse your chickpeas, and chop your broccoli. Only thing that doesn’t require any effort on your end? Snipping open your Love Beets Cooked Beets package 😉