This article was written by jiu jtsu black belt Sheena Bidwell, an instructor at Flo-Life BJJ in Lakewood, Colorado.
Build a better BJJ game quick with these 10 Superfoods for Jiu-Jitsu.
It is fun and easy to add all of the beautiful ingredients listed below to your everyday meals. Eating for your health is a sign of love and self care which enables you to flourish on and off the mats. You will feel better in every aspect of your life when you eat a colorful variety of vegetables and plant proteins. Notice how quickly you feel great. This will translate into better sparring sessions since you will gain sharper mental clarity and sustaining energy. Share how you like to incorporate these foods into your menu and as always blessings of grace, gentleness, and strength.
1. Cacao
The iron rich cacao bean is basically dark chocolate before sugar. Nibs are the chopped up bean, think a coarsely ground up coffee bean. They are full of antioxidants that absorb pollutions and toxins from a sweaty environment. You can cook with the butter. The powder form can be used for raw recipes and as a dessert topper. Eating this is good for your mental and emotional health since it is a natural mood elevator and anti depressant. Cacao is also loaded with calcium and magnesium, supporting healthy bones, heart and brain function.
2. Nuts & Seeds
Walnuts help with stress! Alkalizing Almonds are a healthy source of fats. Flax Seeds are high in fiber to help you easily digest your foods. Pumpkin seeds add the perfect topping to a salad.
3. Probiotics
From coconut to goat milk kefir you can benefit from the life giving goodness of these good bacteria. Try to find your probiotics in food sources like tempeh.
4. Fermented foods
These budget friendly foods are a great way to preserve your favorites and enjoy the gut soothing digestive enzymes. This is the food version of receiving your probiotics.
5. Greens
Spinach, chard, kale, brussel sprouts and bok choy are a versatile staple to any meal. Asparagus, broccoli, sprouts, and watercress are abundant with vitamins. Avocados, cucumbers and limes are a delicious addition to salads.
6. Herbs & Spices
Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon help with circulation and inflammation. Cilantro, garlic, and cayenne are flavorful and help our glands and systems function properly.
7. Herbal Teas
With less caffeine than coffee green tea can be just the right amount of long lasting energy. Matcha is a luxurious texture and a boost for immune health. Teas can also be soothing to the stomach and act as a gentle way to relieve common ailments. Indulging in a cup of relaxing tea while you are taking your Jiu-Jitsu notes is the perfect time to calm your senses as you focus inward.
8. Unsweetened Cranberry Juice & Berries
Goji berries are low in calories and fat free. They give you healthy skin, protect the eyes and ideal for immunity. Acai berries are a heart healthy fat containing fiber and more antioxidants than blueberries and strawberries. Tart cranberry juice is a wonderful to wake you up and excellent for urinary health.
9. Lemons & Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic with the Mother)
Adding lemons to your water gives you potassium, flavor, and an immune boost. Lemon water in the morning helps your body absorb essential vitamins throughout the day. Apple Cider Vinegar helps acid reflux, lowers blood pressure, improves diabetes and supports weight loss. You can make your own natural sports drink by combining water, vinegar, and a sweetener of your choice.
10. Monk Fruit Sweetener
This delicious natural sweetener is zero calorie, zero carbs, zero sodium, zero glycemic, and zero fat. It’s a small green gourd that resembles a melon. The waistline friendly sugar substitute was first used by Buddhist monks in the 13th century.
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