Weight Training: Important Foods and Supplements

What foods are important for weight training

In a word, protein. Protein is the building block of muscle.

The best proteins for gaining strength or adding muscle are lean ones such as chicken, lean beef, egg whites, turkey and fish. Lean cuts of red meat like round or flank steak are also recommended.

Avoid fatty cuts of beef like pork, sausage, bacon and whole milk products because they have too much artery-clogging, unhealthy saturated fat.

Whey protein isolate has the highest biological value of any known naturally occurring protein. We recommend EnergyFirst Whey Protein Isolate available in either Ultimate Vanilla or Chocolate Decadence.

For more information about the benefits of whey protein isolate, see the EnergyFirst FAQ’s regarding
Whey Protein Facts.

What supplements help achieve optimal weight training results?

• Calcium. Particularly important for female athletes, who can be at increased risk for osteoporosis if they have irregular menses.  If you drink coffee, smoke, drink alcohol and eat lots of meat and drink sodas, then you are at risk for calcium losses. An excellent way to supplement your calcium is with EnergyFirst Coral Calcium Plus.

• Chromium. Your body releases it in response to a rise in blood insulin. You can get it from brewer’s yeast, nuts, asparagus, prunes and mushrooms.  It is involved in the metabolism of glucose, chromium is essential for energy. It is also vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and protein. An excellent way to supplement with chromium is with EnergyFirst Chromium Picolinate.

• B-Complex and Vitamin C. B-complex and Vitamin C are helpful in aiding recovery from weight workouts. B-complex helps your body synthesize protein and creates energy. Vitamin C helps speed up recovery from workouts and is thought to play a role in strengthening the immune system. An excellent way to supplement with B-Complex and Vitamin C is with EnergyFirst Ultimate B-Complex and EnergyFirst Ester-C with Bioflavanoids.

For information about the supplements offered by EnergyFirst and the related benefits of these vitamins and minerals, view our Supplements section.