Well, I signed up for another half-ironman!  I love having a goal and a plan especially during the summer when the weather is great for riding and my neighborhood pool is open for swimming!  I’ll admit that training for a half-ironman can take a toll on your body and can wear you down – especially when you are over 40 like I am!

If you workout, you put more stress on your muscles and joints compared to the average couch potato.  We all know that exercise has some great benefits including cardiovascular health and increased bone density, but it also incurs major wear and tear on our bodies which creates inflammation.

I believe nutrition can be a powerful tool for the athlete and it’s especially important to help combat the stresses created by pounding the pavement for miles – 70.3 to be exact for me!

Check out all these great benefits!

Coconut water is great for replacing electrolytes that were lost through sweat especially potassium.  One cup of coconut water has twice the potassium content of a banana.

Maca is a root grown in Peru and is considered a superfood because of the wide range of vitamins and minerals it provides.  It’s especially great for athetes because it increases stamina and endurance and balances blood sugar levels.

Camu Camu is a superfruit also grown in Peru.  It’s best known for its high vitamin C which is highly effective in strengthening the immune system.  It’s also great for athletes as it helps aid in connective tissue repair.  Goodbye injuries!

Pineapple is loaded with Bromelain which has anti-inflammatory properties.  Go ahead and blend up the core too which is rich in Bromelain and say goodbye to pain!

Avocado is an excellent source of monounsaturated fat which all athletes need and it also protect against celluar damage and inflammation.

Chia Seeds not only adds protein to this smoothie but also adds a healthy dose of Omega 3 fatty acids which are great for calming inflammation created by hard training sessions.

 

You only have one body so take care of it!

Eat Better.  Feel Better.  Live Better.  Perform Better.