5 foods I eat to optimise daily performance & crush my training
Ok…my secret is out! Well, I may have been the one that let it out on my YouTube channel, John Purl Coaching. But, with good reason. I am often asked, “JP, what do you eat most days that helps give you energy, does not cause brain fog, helps with your training and well….keeps you lean?”. As if there is some sort of wonder drug. Well….there is a wonder drug, but that stuff is not my jam! So, what are my absolute ‘go toos’ when it comes to daily foods. Here are my top 5 and why they make the cut:
Mycotoxin free coffee: Yes, I am being very specific here. Mycotoxin free coffee. Mycotoxins in simple terms are a light mold that form on the coffee bean due to how they are harvested and stored. Many people would not know this, nor would they think it impacts them. I am one of the lucky (or unlucky ones), that experiences one of the more noticeable side effects of ‘normal’ coffee. I get a rash on my back, arms, and legs. Super itchy and annoying. The most common side effects of ‘normal’ coffee though are the need to pee and poop very soon after consumption and peaks and troughs of energy. So yes, I love the tasty, energy boost and the cognitive function from coffee, but it must be Mycotoxin free. Or, if you cannot find this, then at a minimum get organic. ‘normal’ coffee is one of the most highly sprayed crops on the planet. I will use it for an energy source when training, but note, if you are training to get a ‘pump’ in the muscle, then steer clear as it is a vasoconstrictor. This means it narrows or makes smaller the blood vessels which gets less blood to the muscles.
Eggs: My absolute go to for a daily snack. I would eat 2 – 6 every day in a variety of ways. Scrambled, fried in butter, boiled, or poached. They are quick easy and tasty (well, sort of tasty). Eggs are packed with protein, fats, vitamin A, folate, antioxidants and have been shown to be beneficial for the health of our eyes. I feel fuller for longer and I know that I am getting all the goodies I need to fuel my body. I have had my cholesterol checked and I am perfectly fine. Eggs being bad for cholesterol is an old wife’s tale.
Avocado: Ok…another absolute favorite. Eat them as a side to main meal or, like me, I add one (or half) to a smoothie every day. I will use half it’s a low to no training day, or a full one if it’s a bigger training day. Disclaimer, this is a guide as sometimes the seeds are so massive you end up with a tiny amount of avocado. RIP OFF! They are loaded with monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber. They make a smoothie so creamy and delicious, plus they leave you feeling fuller for longer.
Dark Chocolate: I have a terrible sweet tooth. I mean terrible! I loves me a cake!! So, I avoid sweet foods and replace the desire with the likes of berries and dark chocolate. A great snack or once again, add into a smoothie. Always look for a good quality dark chocolate that is in the range of 85% – 95%. Loaded with magnesium, antioxidants, fiber and super low in sugar. A really easy snack and gives me the boost of energy I need to keep pushing.
Hamburger patties: Ok….I am not talking about a double patty burger dripping in cheese and sauces. I am talking about a homemade, organic, grass-fed beef burger patty. I will either make it into a ‘bun less burger’ or simply eat the patty as a snack. Easier to digest than a steak (so not meat sweats or tiredness post consumption), plus loaded with protein, creatine, iron, and zinc.
Ok……yes, I love my almonds and blueberries, but this top 5 will give me the energy and focus I need each day, plus, are all versatile. That is, can be consumed in various ways. So go and get creative!
