Every day, I see guys eating the same old stuff, and getting worse and worse gains. You know why this is? They’re neglecting their bodies, focusing entirely on protein, as if that is the one, single nutrient their bodies require. How much more wrong could they be?
Of course, protein is extremely important, definitely the most important nutrient if your lifting, however, that is not to say that there aren’t other foods that could supercharge your gains if eaten in moderation.
This series of articles is about the other foods – which contain the other nutrients – which really could put you back on your game.
So roll on number 1 – 10…
1. Green Beans
A recent study by the Institute of Psychiatry has shown that people with a lower level of magnesium are usually less motivated to exercise. Green vegetables, and especially Green Beans, can boost these levels, and ensure that your motivated to lift.
2.Butternut Squash
This vegetable is extremely high in Zinc. Research from the Polish Academy of Science has shown that it keeps Nerve Cells alive and lengthens the period before you begin to tire from exercise. It also helps convert tryptophan into serotonin, so it keeps you happy. Cook with your proteins next time.
3. Chocolate
The surprise contender. It’s high in phenylthylamine, and according to Johns Hopkins University, a little bit will give your body an amazing boost of energy. Remember to eat only in moderation though.
4. Wheat
Trimethyglycine assists in the production of several brain chemicals, which improve your mood, energy, alertness, and overall wellbeing. Key sources of the stuff are wheat bran and wheat germ, so use wholemeal bread next time you make a sandwich.
5. Goat’s Milk
6. Cottage Cheese
Low fat cheese like cottage cheese not only provides you with a nice amount of protein, but also increases the rate that your body repairs itself in your sleep. It’s a good source of tryptophan which is consumed in the production of melatonin, and this helps you sleep at night easily.
7. Liquorice
Surprisingly, Liquorice has some helpful nutrients. It contains glcyrrhizin which helps the body deal with stress placed upon it (eg. Weight lifting), and also it contains isoflavan, and isoflavene, which help deal with depression.
8. Ginseng Tea
This ancient Chinese herb has always been known to improve the body’s response to stress, and also it helps decrease feelings of anxiety. Also, recent studies have shown that this tea can boost energy levels.
9.Tofu
High in protein, high in tryptophan…if that isn’t enough, research in The New England Journal of Medicine has shown that the wobbly stuff also helps you stay away from depression . If you just can’t handle the taste, then blend it into one of your smoothies next time. You won’t even notice it’s there.
10. Red Snapper
Researchers from Finland’s Kuopio University Hospital has found that people with low levels of B12 are more likely to find it hard to wake up. One serving of the snapper has nearly 3 times your RDA, so if you’re finding it hard to wake up for your morning jog, then this is the stuff for you.
Well, that concludes part 1 of 3, look for the other 2 parts later on this week.