Using Fruit For Energy!

Are you like me and instantly reach for coffee in the morning to wake you up? What about taking some pre-workout or energy drink before the gym? Now, I’m not knocking it because I still do tend to have coffee in preparataion for a long run. However, the more I’ve been learning about the awesome power of food and using it as fuel, the more I reach for some fruit to get me that boost of energy I’m looking for. Today we’re going to talk about using fruit for energy!

My husband used to tell me that an apple wakes you up as much as a cup of coffee would. I would roll my eyes as I would reach for my coffee of course. Coffee became part of my routine and it was almost a comfort to have that cup of coffee in the morning. However, a few months back I went without coffee for many reasons. I decided I would give his little claim a try.

While coffee doesn’t give you that JOLT that you usually are looking for in a cup of coffee, it does give you energy in the sense that by consuming an apple you are getting carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals which your body uses much better than caffeine to keep you going. While you make not feel the instant energy boost, you will find yourself able to stay focused and working for longer. This is basically the idea between choosing fruit over some weird energy drink, gel, chew. While these places may have their place (say long rides/long runs), it’s not something you should reach for every day.

I’ve started to eat one date each morning before my heavier workouts. The sweetness of the date wakes me up and it gives me enough energy to make it through a workout without having to eat a whole meal. I also find that is keeps me from eating everything under the sun immediately after a workout. Finding fruits with enough carbohydrates that will properly fuel your workouts is key!

Here’s is a list of a few of my favorite fruits to reach for:

• Banana
• Apple
• Peaches
• Oranges
• Pineapple
• Dried fruit*

As you add fruit in your diet, I would also be aware of when you are eating it in relation to the rest of your meals. You don’t want to stuff yourself with fruit because your glucose levels will eventually drop and you will get tired and hungry. I would have a fruit with breakfast and before a long workout. Also, dried fruit isn’t the bad guy! You just have to make sure you’re limiting the amount of dried fruit because it can contain additional sugar and it’s also easy to eat more than the intended serving if you’re not careful. Your body will thank you for swapping out some energy drink for a piece of fruit!

What do you reach for when you need an extra energy boost?