Monday, June 29, 2009

Best Energy Foods for Athletes

By Curtis Ludlow

It's very important to focus on getting enough vitamins and nutrients.

You'll want to get most of your nutrients from very lean protein sources, leafy green vegetables, and natural starches like potatoes since these foods give you the most bang for your buck, nutritionally.

Women have different dietary requirements as compared to men. Hence, they need to eat differently at various stages of life. Women need more iron and calcium as compared to men. Keeping nutrition requirements in mind here are the top 10 power foods which can help women with weight loss and maintaining a healthy body.

Wild Fish

A problem with some fish is that it is farm raised. Many of these farm raised fish are given hormones that accelerate the rate of it's development and growth. Be sure to eat only wild fish - not farm raised. Wild salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that are very important for women in particular.

Yogurt

Due to pregnancy and other issues, the level of calcium can become low in a woman's body. Therefore, yogurt can be a great source of calcium since it also has friendly bacteria that can be digested easily.

Leafy Green Vegetables

Greens like kale, collard and asparagus are excelent sources of a variety of nutrients including calcium, potassium and vitamin B. Apart from these, they also contain a high amount of antioxidants as well.

Water

Water is great as an appetite suppressant and also essential for the proper functioning of your body. Hence, this the drink you need everyday. A great strategy is to set a timer and take a few sips every 15 - 20 minutes.

Edame

Soybeans and other soy products are great for fighting the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the good cholesterol levels. They are also rich in phytoestrogen as well. You can have soy in the form of tofu or soybean nuggets.

Beef

Red meat is a great way to get the essential nutrient known as iron, ladies. You will find this nutrient in abundance in foods like lentils, lean red meats and dark poultry.

Flax Oils

Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, fibre and antioxidants, flax seeds are a great source of an abundance of nutrients. Flax seeds are beneficial to prevent problems related with arthritis and heart problems.

Carrots

Foods like carrots, pumpkin, and squash are an excellent source of beta carotene. Beta carotene is incredibly important for good health.

Black and White Beans

Last but not the least; beans are essential for their rich fiber content. Fiber not only helps to prevent constipation troubles but is also essential for preventing colon cancer which affects more women than men.

Be sure to work these amazing foods into your diet and transform you life today!

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