Cincinnati Bengals’ team dietitian Michele Macedonio shares some foods that make for a healthier diet and a more effective workout:
— Lean chicken, turkey: Low-fat, protein-packed foods are important for building muscle during strength training.
— Whole wheat pasta and pancakes: Carbohydrates in moderation help sustain energy for sprinting and power movements.
— Real fruit smoothies: They can digest quickly, making them good for funneling nutrients into the body.
— Low-fat or skim milk: It provides an easily absorbable form of calcium to strengthen bones, and its combination of protein and carbohydrates help the body recover after a workout.
— Lettuce: The darker the lettuce, the more nutrients it has, and it creates a fiber base for adding other vegetables.
— Sports drinks: They provide a few extra carbohydrates to fuel the body mid-workout and replace fluid, sodium and potassium after exercising, but a lower-carbohydrate version is better during down time.
