The 5 Best Foods for The Syphus Junkie

Today’s post I am keying in on 5 specific foods that are going to benefit you during Syphus. They all have the potential to unlock energy stores and improve muscular endurance (when you need it the most – in that last 20 min), workout performance (consistent speed without tiring), and recovery (so you can get back to the turf powered up for the next day!)

1. WHEY PROTEIN FOR MUSCLE ENDURANCE/RECOVERY

Whey protein is the perfect “fitness food” as it contains high quality protein but it also holds extremely high amounts of leucine. Leucine is part of branched-chain amino acid that signals the body to increase protein synthesis which builds and repairs muscle fibers. Consuming whey protein before and after your Syphus workout can help fight muscle fatigue and improve recovery.

2. CHIA SEEDS FOR STAMINA/ENDURANCE

I often roll a banana in chia seeds and eat that before a Syphus workout. A few great reasons why other Syphus Junkies should be eating them:

– They are a rich source of ALA (plant-based) and omega-3 fatty acids as well as high in antioxidants.

– Raw chia=Raw energy. Often referred to as “runner’s food”, elite athletes have paid particular interest to chia seeds due to their endurance and hydrating qualities. The seeds can absorb up to ten times their weight in water which physically slows down the process by which our bodies convert carbs into simple sugars. The dividend: Longer endurance due to long-term energy stores from Chia Seeds. So this will allow you to maintain hydration levels and allow you to tap into these valuable energy stores later in your Syphus Training routine.

– Chia seeds contain twice the potassium content of bananas. Like bananas, Chia seed are very helpful in preventing muscle cramps.

3. COCONUT OIL FOR ENERGY AND RECOVERY

Coconut oil can give you the extra energy boost you need for the turf. This is a simple, healthy and natural way to power up your workouts!

Eat it straight off the spoon, stir it in your coffee or tea, or dump a tablespoon into your protein shake. Either way, coconut oil is a HEALTHY FAT, bursting with medium chain fatty acids that generate energy and speeds up your metabolism.

Coconut oil is important for athletes because vigorous exercise (aka Syphus) can promote oxidation which may lead to suppressed immunity over time. To combat this, Coconut oil functions as an immune enhancer plus it’s antimicrobial and antiviral, so it supports your body’s ability to fight off infections.

4. AVOCADO FOR MUSCULAR ENDURANCE

Try eating 1/2 an avocado before a workout to reap the benefits!

Just one avocado contains around 15 grams of fiber and nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Avocados also contain critical electrolytes like potassium and magnesium which contribute to proper cell and muscle functions – vital for any athlete. Potassium is a mineral that the human body requires to maintain proper muscular function and alleviate muscle cramps.

5. BRAZIL NUTS FOR MUSCLE STRENGTH/RECOVERY

Forget the peanuts and instead grab some brazil nuts!

Brazil nuts are an unusually powerful superfood due to the high levels of selenium they contain. Selenium has numerous benefits especailly for athletes. One benefit is that selenium can increase muscle strength. It also helps maintain a properly functioning thyroid and since your thyroid controls your body’s metabolism, inadequate levels of selenium may be a factor in sudden weight gain or weight loss. Therefore, selenium keeps your metabolism in good working order. Just 1-2 brazil nuts a day is all you need to promote your natural recovery processes as well as to help you build strong bones and muscles.

Don’t forget, with all of the above, consuming lots of clean, pure water before and after your workout will guide you to optimal recovery.

That’s all for now Junkies!