Stamina is a very important factor in this fast-pace world. It helps us to function effectively for a long period of time for our daily activities in life. Sure we do not want to be drained or hit-the-wall midway and slug through the 2nd half of the day unproductively without quality.
Physical exercise is not the only method to boost your stamina, it comes hand-in-hand with daily nutritional intake as well. Yes, what you eat is what your stamina becomes and you must eat well to be energised throughout your days.
Here are the best every day stamina-boosting food to get you through your lifestyle of activities such as sports, work, family duties, and on the bed… Yup, you read that right.
OATMEAL
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Arguably, the perfect food before the start of the day or a sports activity. Oatmeal is a whole-grain cereal that contains beta-glucan and it’s a soluble fiber, when combined with water, forms a thick gel. Oats are high in vitamins, mineral, iron, manganese and fiber. It delays absorption of glucose in the blood that keeps your stomach full longer which sustains energy release.
BANANAS
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Bananas is ideal for endurance athletes and it is a power food for energy. Bananas are an awesome source of potassium, magnesium, carbohydrates and vitamin B6, it all helps in boosting energy levels in the body. Bananas can be eaten before an activity for energy or post activity for recovery of the body. The more ripe a banana, the more energy (glucose) it gives to you.
BROWN RICE
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Brown rice provides you with complex carbohydrates which is an ideal source of energy for your body. Brown rice is also rich in fiber and vitamin B complex. Brown rice has lesser starch than white rice that makes for easier digestion and making your belly feel full longer, thus giving you energy for the day. For people who’s rice is their staple food, go brown for better stamina boosting and cleaner carbs.
EGGS
Besides being tasty, eggs is one of the best source of protein for the growth of muscles and body tissues, which is vital for boosting stamina. Eggs have the highest biological value as they are packed with all nine essential amino acids, making them a no-nonsense energy booster. Rest assured, an egg a day will keep the fatigue away.
GREEN VEGETABLES
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Clean, fatless, wholesome. Green vegetables are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein, sugars, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, potassium and sodium, which makes them an essential food for boosting energy and stamina. Try to practice a more plant-based diet, and you will definitely feel the difference. No wonder mums always pester their kids to eat their vegetables.
SWEET POTATOES
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Delicious and energising. Sweet potatoes are packed with complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A and manganese. Once consumed, your body gets a steady supply of energy because the complex carbs and fiber contents slow the digestion rate of the potato. Manganese also helps to breakdown nutrients to produce energy. A power snack or a power meal, this can keep your belly full longer with high energy release for the body.
COFFEE
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Coffee are taken to keep one’s body awake and fully energised. Even world-class runners like Mo Farah is loving his coffee 20 minutes before his race to keep him mentally alert and awake. Coffee is rich in caffeine that boost the production of epinephrine, a hormone that stimulates the brain and body. Coffee’s stimulatory effect is wonderful in keeping you focused, alert and awake.
DARK CHOCOLATE
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Dark chocolate is a super snack for athletes or active people. It has antioxidants that help increase the flow of blood and oxygen in the body, which improves general bodily function. In turn, it will boost your stamina, improve mental energy and your daily moods. No wonder women during menstruation craves for dark chocolate. Like coffee, dark chocolate contains stimulatory compounds such as caffeine and theobromine which keeps you focus, alert and awake.
Now you know what to stock up in your home during your next grocery shopping. Like a car that needed fuel to drive, you need those food to keep you going further, faster and stronger. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay strong.