10 Best Foods for Peak Endurance in the Gym

Any regular gym-goer knows that endurance is key when it comes to getting shredded. Long, grueling workouts can easily take a toll on your body and mind. Similarly, marathon sex can leave you wobbly. To fuel up and recover after both activities, it’s important to know which superfoods to eat.

Here are ten high-octane foods for energizing workouts — and sex!

1. Oatmeal

With protein, complex carbs, and fiber galore, oatmeal has a low glycemic index. It delivers a sustained release of energy into the bloodstream, which is important for any athlete. What’s more, oatmeal also offers your body a regular dose of Vitamin B, and it is rich in key minerals and antioxidants. Oatmeal also maintains good levels of cholesterol in the body. Indeed, it is one of the most nourishing foods you can eat.

2. Cherries

Cherries provide a wide range of health benefits, aiding in performance and recovery. In fact, research shows that runners who drank tart cherry juice twice a day for a week straight had significantly less muscle pain after a long-distance run. This is because cherries have potent anti-inflammatory agents. Eat them regularly to reduce weight, fat, and inflammation.

3. Kale

A member of the cabbage family, kale contains high levels of vitamins A, K, B6, calcium, and iron. These help to regulate the body’s inflammatory process. What’s more, kale contains carotenoids and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress.

4. Milk

Good old-fashioned cow’s milk is still number one when it comes to athletes. In fact, milk is loaded with carbs and protein, making it an ideal post-workout recovery drink. When carbs and proteins are consumed together, muscle tissues repair at a faster rate than when they are consumed separately.

5. Bananas

Bananas are one of the best pre- and post-workout snacks. This is because they are loaded with potassium and vitamin B6, helping to maintain low blood sugar, regulate digestion, and restore lost electrolytes after exercise. Vitamin B6 acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to ward off cardiovascular disease.

6. Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a superfood that contains fiber. With three times the amount of antioxidants than blueberries, they are also loaded with calcium, iron, and protein. They also contain lots of omega-3 fatty acids and hydrophilic properties. This means they can absorb more than 12 times their weight in water, enabling prolonged hydration. Chia seeds help to regulate the body’s absorption of nutrients.

7. Walnuts

Rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants like vitamin E, walnuts also contain the most omega-3 fatty acids than any other nut, and provide anti-inflammatory properties. Walnuts lower LDL cholesterol and promote heart health — truly a great healthy, easy, and energizing on-the-go snack!

8. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, both powerful antioxidants that work in removing free radicals from your body. They also help lower blood pressure and are a powerful food for athletes because of the high vitamin and mineral content. The potassium, iron, manganese, and copper found in sweet potatoes aid in healthy muscle function.

9. Wild salmon

One of the most nutrient dense proteins, salmon is also full of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B12 and B6. Salmon helps reduce inflammation because of its high fatty acid content. The antioxidant in salmon — selenium — has been shown to be beneficial in cardiovascular protection.

10. Whey

Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein, and it contains all of the essential amino acids. The body absorbs it quickly and efficiently. Plus, it doesn’t contain any fat or cholesterol. The protein and amino acids are essential in muscle rebuilding, especially after an intense workout. Whey also prevents muscle breakdown and is the fastest digesting protein.

Hitting the gym or hitting the sheets

You’ll want a bangin’ bod whether you’re bench-pressing or, well, banging. These foods can get you the physique you need for getting physical — however you understand this.