Living Magazine doTERRA Spring 2017 | Page 8

E A T I N G F O R RECOVER Y Exercise does not build your body; it fundamentally breaks it down. It is during rest and recovery that your body repairs the broken down tissue and initiates the physiological processes that result in a stronger and leaner body. While rest is key, one of the most important factors of the recovery process is how you fuel your body. Eating the right foods can help reduce soreness, restore normal central nervous system function, provide the nutrients necessary for repair and growth, and replenish glycogen stores so you have the energy for your next intense training session. Build that slim and sassy body by including these foods in your regular diet. 1 Blueberries, cherries, and other dark-colored fruits. The darker and brighter the fruit, the higher the concen­tration of antioxidants— substances that help prevent free radical damage and expedite the elimination of the waste products that are the result of intense exercise. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavonols, and tannins, which have been shown to support the normal inflammation process and may promote increased muscular energy. Research has suggested that adding blueberries to your post- workout protein shake can accelerate the recovery process and result in improved performance. Other studies have found that tart cherries may reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and increase natural production of melatonin, so that you get more and better sleep. For a dash of color, taste, and a major infusion of anti­oxi­ dants, add a few blueberries or cherries to your post-workout protein shake. If you find it difficult to integrate dark-colored fruits into your diet, Alpha CRS®+ Cellular Vitality Complex contains a proprietary combination of botanical extracts that offer powerful antioxidant benefits.* also one of the best sources of cysteine, an amino acid that aids in the formation of antioxidant glutathione, providing an added boost of free radical fighting protection. Slim & Sassy® TrimShake offers 8g of protein, primarily from fast-absorbing whey protein isolate; perfect for post-workout recovery or a nutritious snack. Whey protein. Speaking of that post-workout protein shake, whey protein, a by-product of cheese- making, is highly bioavailable, contains all the amino acids necessary to rebuild lean tissue, is very quickly absorbed, and can taste delicious when blended with some dark berries. Research suggests that consumption of whey protein after a workout can speed recovery and decrease post-workout strength loss. Whey protein is 4 2 8 / SPRING 2017 LIVING MAGAZINE 3 Leafy Greens. There is never a reason to limit the consumption of leafy greens. Low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, high in satiating fiber, low-glycemic, and rich in antioxidants, leafy greens are a highly available and versatile superfood that can support every recovery mechanism. Some less-known benefits of your favorite leafy greens; their high water content helps keep you hydrated, a single serving of spinach has more muscle-building iron than a 6-ounce hamburger patty; they contain high levels of potassium, which may keep cramps at bay; and they are excellent sources of calcium and magnesium, which are important in muscular development, energy production, and carbohydrate metabolism.* Add a handful of leafy greens or a serving of TerraGreens® to your post-workout shake. The more the better. Wild caught fatty fish. There is a reason—many of them—why many American adults take fish oil daily, making it the most popular natural supple­ment. Along with the known cardiovascular, nervous, and immune system function supporting properties of omega-3 fatty acids, research suggests that they may assist protein metabolism and help alleviate the discom­fort associated with intense exercise. If the taste or cost of salmon or other fatty fish is off-putting, xEO Mega® offers similar benefits in a convenient gel capsule.* 5 Fermented foods. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods seem to be all the rage in current nutrition research as we continue to discover how important gut microbiota is for overall wellness. By sup­porting healthy pro­­liferation of beneficial bacteria (probiotics), fermented foods improve nutrient absorp­ tion, support metabolism, and boost immune system function so that you wake up the day after a tough workout feeling better than before. If you don’t enjoy the taste, supplementing with PB Assist®+ may provide the probiotic support you need.* 6 Spices (turmeric, ginger, cinnamon). Antioxidant support is the name of the game when discussing exercise recovery. Recent research suggests that rhizome plants such as turmeric and ginger offer unique compounds that can support muscle and joint function and comfort.* Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been found to decrease inflammatory cytokines and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).* Other studies have suggested that adding ginger and cinnamon to your diet may reduce recovery time and decrease muscular discomfort after strenuous exercise.* Add a pinch of spice to your protein shake or take your supplement regimen up a notch by including Deep Blue Polyphenol Complex®, which contains extracts of turmeric and ginger.