12. Papaya
What papaya along with other vitamin C rich foods does, is helps lower cortisol levels after intense exercise. Those who consumed 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily for 2 weeks showed lower cortisol levels. What unripened papaya contains are higher amounts of digestive resistant starch, which is vital for optimal gut health.
Resistant starches that are indigestible, won’t result in blood sugar spikes. Both green and ripe papayas are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and papain, which is an enzyme that helps in protein digestion, while reducing inflammation.
11. Red Grapefruit
What’s recommended is eating red grapefruit before working out. It’s 90% percent water, so it helps in hydration, which in turn helps weight loss. Pink grapefruit is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, along with fiber and potassium.
What red grapefruit contains are more flavonoids and anthocyanins than pink or white grapefruit. What’s recommended however, is consuming grapefruit in moderation, this because of it’s fructose content, which can harm your health in excessive amounts. Also know that grapefruit may conflict with certain medication.
10. Watermelon
What eating watermelon has shown, is it improves ones lipid profiles while lowering fat accumulation. The reason is because of its high concentration of anthocyanin, which is a compound that modifies fat storage genes. It’s high water content is refreshing, aides in hydration, while reducing muscle soreness after strenuous workouts. Watermelon puree is an excellent pick-me up between reps.
That said, be careful when eating any melon, including watermelon, as they don’t digest that well with other foods. Melons are known to cause digestive issues unless consumed by themselves. So ideally, don’t eat any other food 30 minutes before or after eating watermelon.
9. Bananas
Bananas are high in glucose along with digestible sugars, making them an extremely popular pre or post workout food, this because of their potassium content. The natural potassium stores in the body, tends to exhaust more easily when exercising intensely.
What one banana does is contains 450 mg of potassium, which is vital for controlling ones blood pressure and heart rate. Bananas however are best avoided, if you’re struggling with insulin resistance.
