180 Nutrition: Motivation is one of the biggest reasons why we don’t exercise. When we come home from a long day of work or finish up a couple hours of intense studying, we no longer have the energy to do anything other than eat, watch TV, and sleep. However, what you decide to eat after a stressful day can actually determine whether or not you have the motivation to exercise. Therefore, check out some of these absolutely energetic foods that can help you reach your fitness goals.
Eggs for Breakfast
There’s a reason why gym buffs chug raw eggs in the movie. Each egg packs a lot of protein and nutrients such as thiamin, riboflavin, folate and B vitamins that are essential for the production of energy. The small oval shaped food is the best form of healthy fat and protein to provide you with an extra boost in the morning. Eggs are also rich in leucine, which helps your body use energy and help muscles recover after a good workout. If you want to workout in the early mornings or simply want to energise your body for the entire day, you will want to add some eggs to your breakfast.
Spinach for Lunch
There’s a reason why Popeye eats spinach to get his muscles. According to a Swedish study, these leafy greens increase the efficiency of our mitochondria. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell and produce the energy we need to work out. Therefore, spinach is the number one food for bodybuilders and weightlifters. By adding it to your salad or your lunch, you can generate enough power to get through any workout.
Blueberries for Your Snack
Ditch the chips and cookies for some healthy blueberry snacks. Blueberries are not only tasty, but they are also high in antioxidants. Antioxidants can combat stress to make you feel more motivated to exercise and can also prevent soreness and inflammation to help your muscles rebound faster for your next workout. Blueberries also have carbs to increase energy and fiber which allows this energy to last longer and give you an extra boost of staying power.
Shrimp for Dinner
The little ocean crustacean is low in calories but high in Vitamin B12. This vitamin helps to energize your metabolism and provide a long-lasting boost of motivation. Shrimp is also a good source of Omega 3s which can improve your mood to increase your desire to exercise and energize your body to get your muscles moving.
People say that you are what you eat and this is definitely true. Certain foods can re-energize your body after a long day of work and motivate you to hit the gym.
This article was written by Jane Munro a health enthusiast and freelance writer.
