Everyone, at one point or other, has had the desire to have a body as insanely attractive as an athlete. If you’re currently objecting to this argument, then you’re simply in denial. You watch your favorite jocks on TV and stalk your favorite fitness gurus on social media over and over again even though you know that looking at their perfectly shaped, god-like bodies is only going to make you feel horrible about youself. While the majority of Americans aren’t fortunate enough to be famous fitness models or become the first draft pick for the sport of their choice, they can at least strive to have a body thats just as redonkulous by working out and eating right. But what are these athletes consuming that gives them an edge over the average NARP (Non-Athletic Regular Person). We asked student athletes at Manhattan College what their favorite foods are, and here’s what they suggested.
1. Pickles
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The fermentation fad has been going on for quite awhile now, but this fermented fruit has been on the radar of athletes for quite awhile. Yes, many people love pickles for their tangy taste and unique shape, but what they don’t know is that pickles are pretty low in calories and cholesterol and high in vitamins A and K. Their juice also contains electrolytes which are minerals in your body fluids that have an electric charge. When you sweat, you lose a ton of electrolytes leaving your body to feel exhausted, so athletes down the juices of pickles like water to rebuild their strength. With those rejuvenating powers, athletes are raving about this powerful plant more than The Little Rascals.
2. Beans
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From kidney to garbanzo, these little guys are a fantastic snack or side dish to add to your diet. Their most illustrious attribute is their high levels of protein. More protein is in asserting of these little seeds than in any other vegetable, and if that doesn’t convince you that beans should be your new go-to food, they also have the lowest fat content of any protein food. They’re also packed everything else an active person craves like B vitamins, iron, and soluble fiber. Can you say superfood?
3. Spinach
Popeye used these leafy greens to grow his guns and you can too. For only 41 calories per cup, you can get a massive amount of nutrients. Just to give you an idea of how insanely healthy these plants are, check out this elaborate chart-
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Whether it’s in your sandwich or your smoothie, athletes all agree that you’ll never be out of shape again with this veggie to snack on.
4. Chicken
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Baked, grilled, stuffed in a pot pie, chicken can be delicious in a variety of different ways. It can give you a list of the array of styles that chicken can be prepared, but unless you grew up in a vegetarian household, you probably have a good idea of just how versatile it can be. Tomas Espinal, a soccer player at Manhattan College say that he loves chicken because quote “It’s not only deliciously satisfying when added to a lot of my meals, but it’s also packed with a ton of protein that helps me build lean muscle”.
5. Peanut Butter
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This sweet and sticky spread is the perfect snack if you want to feel full without packing on the calories. It’s classically spread on a sandwich with some sort of jelly or jam (you may recall this go to meal as your lunch for school every other day), but it can also be spread on fruit, mixed in a smoothie, or even eaten straight out of the jar. The high levels of protein and fiber in this paste leave you full with just a couple of bites, so if calorie intake is your concern, this is a great solution. It has also been recently discovered that peanuts can help fight heart disease and diabetes. Caroline Taylor, a center-midfielder for the Manhattan College Jaspers women’s soccer team says that quote “Peanut butter is the best food in my life because you could put it on anything and it makes it taste really good.” I have t say that I definitely agree with Caroline’s adoration of this delectable treat.
6. Bananas
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Bananas are an easy, on-the-go snack that will easily fit in your bag of choice, and its soft, chewy texture is easily digested by your body. Freshman standout Alyssa Rehrer of the Manhattan College Volleyball team professed her love for the fruit, saying that she enjoys at least one banana everyday before a workout or practice because they keep her feeling full and energized without upsetting her stomach. Alyssa isn’t the only one who loves bananas, because according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bananas are among the most widely consumed fruits on the planet. They’re full of potassium and pectin, a form of fiber that makes them easily digestible and they are also a great source of magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
7. Eggs
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Out of all the healthy foods available at Manhattan, eggs were by far the fan favorite of the athlete community. Prepared anyway they can at anytime of the day, eggs are an essential part of the meals of the majority of student athletes trying to up their game. Filled with protein and biotin (also known as vitamin H) along with vitamin B-6, calcium, and magnesium, eggs have rightfully earned their number 1 spot.
So, now that there is a breakdown of what foods Manhattan College athletes are eating to stay fit, you’re just a few short steps away from having the perfectly shaped, athletic body that you and everyone you know desires. Enjoy!
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