Sports Nutrition: Fall Fruits and Veggies Produce Healthy Athletes
Squash: great excuse to eat butter! For some, the dropping temperature and shorter days can bring on an urge to eat “comfort foods”: hot, hearty dishes that can be high in carbs and fat. Don’t forget to check out the fruits and vegetables that autumn offers to maintain your sports nutrition: 1) Kale – Kale is the dietary darling of the moment for good reason: one cup of kale delivers your vitamins A, C, and K needs for the entire day. Take that, flu season! 2) Pears – Here’s a fun fact: a pear has more fiber per ounce than an apple! A medium pear has 6 grams of fiber. Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar, which keeps you feeling energized and less hungry between meals. Of course, it’s also famously good for your digestive process as well. 3) Beets – If you’re thinking about a nitric acid supplement to widen your blood vessels, you’ve found an all-natural substitute in beets. Beets are bursting with nitrates, which your body converts to nitric oxide for the exact same benefits, at a much lower price. 4) Squash – every variety of squash provides beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Squash also provides a hearty texture that helps conquer carb cravings. 5) Cranberries – fresh cranberries are very high in vitamin C. Add some to your oatmeal during the last 3-4 minutes that it’s cooking, or add them to your salads.