Swimming is the best full- body workout. Being a swimmer, you can expect amazing results for your health. Swimming is also a competitive sport and a swim race can last between 20 seconds to 15 minutes. This period of one race is of high intensity and requires a lot of energy. Naturally, swimmers need a good diet to fuel their body with essential nutrients.
Swimmers need a high calorie diet like Michael Phelps, who used to eat 12000 calories per day to fuel his body for the 2008 Games in Beijing!
It is equally important for your fitness, being a professional or a non- professional swimmer, that you take a good diet for post- swim recovery. A lot of swimmers feel extremely hungry after swimming because the cool temperature of the pool water prevents a rise in your body temperature and related appetite suppression.
7 Super Foods
Leans, Fish and Meat
For high intake of protein after swimming, you can consume chicken, turkey, veal or fish. There are various ways by which you can consume lean meats.
You can grill them, make whole- wheat bread sandwiches or in a roasted form with some veggies. Avoid cheese, salad dressing for unwanted carbs.
Eggs
Eggs are full of rich nutrients. You can increase your metabolism by eating an omelette which will repair your muscles faster.
Eggs are full of protein and are also quick and easy to prepare. You can combine them with veggies, cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes and make a healthier meal. Boiled eggs are also a great option! Have some peanut butter on the side for wholesome goodness.
Seeds and Nuts
Nuts are full of healthy fat, fibers and vitamins. We recommend you to have unprocessed, unsalted or unsweetened nuts in moderation for the maximum benefit.
You can have a mixture of nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, raisins, cashews, flax seeds etc. Add some dry fruits like dried strawberries, cranberries, pineapple, sweet lime to make it even more delicious.
Yogurt and Smoothies
Yogurt which is free from any artificial sugars and flavours is great to be consumed after your swim. A great probiotic and full of magnesium, potassium and calcium- yogurt is full of benefits. You can freeze it, blend it or make a yogurt fruit cup.
What’s great about smoothies is that you can add your favourite fruits and make it in the blender. There are delicious options available like the Strawberry Cauliflower Smoothie. Perfect to prepare especially when you are short on time.
Mixed Fruits and Cereals
Perfect for cereal lovers! Add some juicy diced fresh fruits, whole- grain cereal in low fat milk. Abstain from adding sugar, you can also include strawberry or banana chunks according to your taste.
A big bowl of cereal is filling and satisfying with no compromise on all the necessary nutrients.
Fruits and Raw Veggies
Take all your favourite fruits and raw veggies and dice them. Make a big bowl of colourful fruits and greens. You can add some cottage cheese and a pinch of pepper too. Easy to fix and a pleasure for the tongue.
Whole-Wheat Pita Bread and Hummus Dip
Very convenient and good for your stomach is some delicious whole- wheat pita with a hummus dip. Hummus is made from chickpeas which is full of fiber and protein. You can also have a healthy bean dip with pita instead of hummus. Try some salad on the side and enjoy.
Who says super foods have to be boring? Try our tasty suggestions after your swim because we got your recovery meal covered!
Disclaimer: SKFIT LIFE does not endorse any product or service mentioned in Guest Blog Posts, they are solely the opinion of the Guest Blogger.
Guest Blogger: Sara O Brown, sara@healthybox.org
