Bananas = Fight Fuel

Nature is amazing. Take the simple banana as an example. Bananas are fortified with nutrients, packed with energy and come prepackaged in handy sets of 3, 6 or even 9. They’re a perfect snack, especially for athletes.

If you compare bananas to your average carb-laden sports drink, bananas come out far ahead in antioxidant, fiber, vitamin and mineral content. The natural sugar of bananas is also healthier than that of flavored sports drinks. And, let’s face it, bananas are a far better value overall.

Need help sleeping? Peel a banana for a good dose of magnesium and potassium, which will relax your muscles and help you get a deeper sleep. Bananas will also help cool your core temperature, which in turn will trigger sleep sensors.

Pasta is Fight Fuel!

Pasta is bad for you, right? Oh, but how can something so good be bad? Well, truth is, it’s maybe not so bad. In fact, for those of us who train to fight, pasta is actually quite good. It’s an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a ton of energy and it’s a source of many essential vitamins and minerals. Of course once you start topping pasta with high calorie, high fat, dense fillings, sauces and extras, it begins to become the bad food so many proclaim it to be.

Yep, pasta is pretty darn nutritious and, minus sauce, is quite low fat. Okay, you’re thinking “but carbs are unhealthy, right?” Check your food pyramid, sister! carbohydrates are right there at the bottom - the foundation, you might say. Remember, you need carbs for energy, and pasta, with its complex carbohydrates, provides significant sustained energy and helps you regulate blood sugar levels.

Coffee – Workout Booster?

Like many of you, I can't wait for that first sip of French Roast to make me feel like I'm finally starting my day. Coffee is one of those things, up there with eggs and soy, that sparks lively debate about its health benefits and failings. For the time being at least, it appears that coffee is getting significant praise as a pre- and post- workout beverage.

Pre Workout Jumpstart—

Beyond the simple fact that you want to be awake and alert for your workouts, you also want to elevate your intensity and stamina. Coffee may be the ticket. Studies have shown that a reasonable amount of coffee, as much as two cups, can give you an intensity boost and push your overall potential for hard work. A pre-workout coffee may also be just the thing to get you motivated.