Whether it be soccer, football or lacrosse, peak pre-season performance may be as simple as what you eat. And while the benefits of consuming fruit on a daily basis are well known, specific fruits can serve distinct purposes on the field of play.
BANANAS
PRE-GAME BOOST
The nutrients in bananas benefit our heart, muscles, nerves, kidneys and bones. They’re ideal before a training session because they’re packed with carbohydrates, which can be converted into energy.
APRICOTS
FUEL FOR YOUR LUNGS
Packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, potassium, iron and beta-carotene, apricots are an ideal pre-session snack because they protect your heart and nourish your lungs. We recommend eating them dried for a greater, more concentrated energy supply.
BLUEBERRIES
FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Blueberries are great before a training session because they aid the immune system, which is often compromised through exercise. This fruit is high in antioxidants, which protect your body from free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage your cells.
APPLES
SMOOTH RUNNING
With 20g of carbs, apples not only supply energy for running, but they also contain 4g of fiber, which serves as a probiotic. If you’re worried about eating too much fiber before a workout, all you need to do is peel off the skin.
STRAWBERRIES
FOR BATTLING FATIGUE
The nitrates found in strawberries may help to create a lower oxygen demand during exercise, resulting in less fatigue. Berries (both strawberries and blueberries) also contain polyphenols, a group of plant-based antioxidants that have a known ability to reduce muscle pain and inflammation.
