Foods that Fuel Your Fitness Plan

Lace up your sneakers! This week is National Running and Fitness Week, and we know that quite a few of our customers use NutsOnline products to fuel up for exercise. We offer many tasty treats that give you the nutrients you need to make it through your workout.

Chia seeds are fantastic to consume before and after exercise because they keep you hydrated. The seeds can absorb 10 times their weight in liquid, and they slowly release this liquid back into your body as you run. The best way to consume chia seeds for this purpose is to make a gel out of them. Mix 1/3 cup of chia seeds with two cups of cool water in a jar, screw on the lid tightly and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for several hours. When you’re preparing for your workout, take several tablespoons of the chia gel. You can mix the gel into juice or water, add it to yogurt or just swallow it down as-is.

Dried fruit offers the carbohydrates that can really increase your energy level, especially for a long run. Among the best dried fruits for runners and athletes are Turkish figs, dried apricots and jumbo dried plums (otherwise known as prunes). The high levels of natural sugars and fiber in these treats can really get you moving. Dark raisins, which are 70 percent pure fructose, are also a quick source of energy and are especially fantastic for kids who play sports.

Peanut butter is another classic runners’ snack that gives you energy and keeps you feeling full. Both smooth and crunchy peanut butter are appropriate pre- and post-exercise snacks, especially when spread on whole-grain bread or crackers or apple slices. Going for an extra-long run? Mix 2 tbsp. of peanut butter into a bowl of oatmeal made with organic steel cut oats for a filling power-up meal.

We offer a wide selection of energy squares that are designed with the active customer in mind. The dense bars are packed with nutrients and are designed to boost your energy without weighing you down. And, with delicious flavors like honey pistachio and raw cacao goji, they don’t sacrifice anything in terms of flavor!

What are some of your favorite items to nosh while getting active? No matter what you use for fuel, you should give yourself a pat on the back for taking steps to improve your fitness and overall health by getting moving!