Sports nutrition is an important component for increased sports performance. A healthy immune system is important for over all health. Being able to incorporate both, especially during cold and flu season will keep you in great health all year round.
Protein, fats and carbohydrates are important ingredients to maintaining a healthy body during rigorous workouts. Being mindful of the foods needed to improve your immunity is equally important.
Choose fresh, easy-to-digest foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are optimal choices to support a healthy immune system. They contain antioxidants and both insoluble and soluble fiber. They enhance digestion and elimination, which increases one’s immunity.
Foods that are processed contain harmful ingredients, saturated fats and dangerous chemicals. They are hard to digest and will do a number on your immune system. Stay as close to foods that are not altered but are as close to their natural state. Organic is the best choice as these foods do not contain chemicals and have been grown to contain more minerals.
Using immune boosting spices when you cook, adds great flavors to vegetables, grains and legumes and will also aid in digestion making the nutrients more readily available for the body. Try this recipe:
1/4 part ground cinnamon, 1 part ground black pepper, 1 part ground dry ginger, 2 parts ground turmeric, 3 parts ground cumin, 3 parts ground coriander, 6 parts ground fennel.
You don’t want to eat too much at any meal and you should always have water with all your meals. It has been suggested that you should eat the biggest meal in the middle of the day when your digestion is strongest. Eat lighter meals at breakfast and in the evening when digestion is weaker to enhance immunity.
An increased immunity will allow you to stay healthy and be able to continue your practice and intensify your sports training.
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