Superfoods for Cyclists

It's no secret that the night before a triathlon, marathon, race or early morning run, you'll call by your nearest Italian restaurant and load up on pasta and bread - or at least clean out your local supermarket of all carb loaded foods.

Between fad diets and carb-loading, you can see why there are plenty of misconceptions about what to put into your body the evening before an intense ride or run. You probably put in five times as much effort training for an event, to which your body needs help to recover from.

We would expect top athletes to regularly eat fruit and veg that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals – however, lean proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates provide your body with fuel, which is arguably more important during your training. We have listed some of the top superfoods that will help support your training and fuel you during your intensive cycling or run.

10) Kale

Kale contains high levels of vitamin A, K, B6, calcium and iron. It's an antioxidant-rich vegetable that helps regulate the body's inflammatory process. Kale also contains carotenoids and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress, as well as a high fibre content that helps lower cholesterol.

9) Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are a starchy vegetable, rich in vitamins A and C, which are both powerful antioxidants that work in removing free radicals from your body. They help lower blood pressure and are a powerful food for athletes because of its high vitamin and mineral content. The potassium, iron, manganese and copper are all minerals that many athletes lack; manganese and copper being crucial in healthy muscle function.

8) Chia seeds

Chia seeds are a nutrient dense super food that contains a high amount of fibre, three times the amount of antioxidants than blueberries, and are loaded with calcium, iron and protein. They also contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids and hydrophilic properties, which means that the seeds have the ability to absorb more than twelve times their weight in water, thus allowing prolonged hydration. The seeds help in retaining moisture and regulate the body's absorption of nutrients.

7) Cherries

Cherries are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruit and provide a wide range of health benefits, as well as performance and recovery benefits for athletes. Research has shown that runners who consumed tart cherry juice, twice a day for seven days a week, had strikingly less muscle pain following a long distance run.

The post-exercise benefits are astonishing because of the fruit's natural anti-inflammatory components. A recent study from the University of Michigan revealed that a cherry enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat and inflammation, all associated with heart disease.

6) Oatmeal

Oatmeal has a high soluble fibre content, is high in complex carbohydrates, is a good source of protein and has a low glycemic index, which provides a sustained release of energy into the bloodstream—imperative for cyclists. Oatmeal offers your body a regular dose of Vitamin B and is rich in minerals and antioxidants. It's credited for maintaining the good level of cholesterol in the body and is known as one of the most nourishing foods for the body, especially for athletes.

5) Bananas

Bananas are one of the best pre- and post-workout snacks. It's no surprise that they seem to be included in every post-race goodie bag. Loaded with potassium and vitamin B6, bananas help maintain low blood sugar, regulate digestion and re-stock your body with lost electrolytes after any sort of physical exertion. Vitamin B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease.

4) Walnuts

Walnuts are a plant-based protein, rich in fibre, B-vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. They contain the most Omega-3 fatty acids than any other nut and the anti-inflammatory nutrients are great for bone health.

Walnuts have also been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, are beneficial for a healthy heart and make a great healthy and energizing snack on-the-go.

3) Whey

Whey protein isolate is the purest form of whey protein and is a complete protein that contains all of the essential amino acids. It's absorbed quickly and efficiently into the body, making it an athletes dream. It doesn't contain any fat or cholesterol.

The protein and array of amino acids are essential in muscle re-building, especially after a strenuous workout or race. For athletes, it's a great fast recovery method because it helps prevent muscle breakdown and is the fastest digesting protein.

2) Avocado

Avocados, which are actually classified as a fruit, are rich in monounsaturated fat that is easily burned for energy. Avocado increases healthy fat and calorie intake without seriously compromising protein or carbohydrate intake.

A medium hass avocado contains about 22.5 grams of fat, two-thirds of which is monounsaturated. They're also very low in fructose and provide close to 20 essential health-boosting nutrients, including:

• Fibre
• Potassium (more than twice the amount found in a banana)
• Vitamin E
• B-vitamins
• Folic acid

1) Milk

With all the different types of milk out there today, soy, almond, rice and even hemp, it seems that good old fashioned milk is still number one when it comes to athletes! Milk is loaded with carbohydrates and protein, which makes it an ideal post exercise muscle recovery beverage for endurance athletes. When carbohydrates and proteins are consumed together, muscle tissues are repaired at a faster rate than if consumed separately.