5 Power Foods

You can exercise as often as you want, but if you're not putting the right things in your body you won't see nearly as many results. Replacing the usual burger and fries with healthy alternatives will give you the boost you need for a workout and speed up your metabolism.

Here's a list of power foods we recommend for runners:

DARK CHOCOLATE

In small doses, dark chocolate is good for your heart and brain. It increases blood flow and prevents the formation of clots in the arteries and veins. There are chemicals in dark chocolate that improve your mood, including phenylethylamine (PEA), which is the same chemical that is released in the brain when you're falling in love. Dark chocolate also contains caffeine (much less than a cup of coffee or energy drink), which is a mild stimulant. It's also loaded with antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals.

Even though dark chocolate has many beneficial flavanoids, it also has a lot of sugar, calories, and fat. Eat sparingly--overindulging will undo the aforementioned benefits.

FISH

Fish provides a great source of omega-3 fatty acids--something our bodies do not produce on their own. Omega-3's are found in all fish but they're especially present in salmon, tuna, trout and sardines. We need omega-3 fatty acids for several bodily functions such as preventing clotting and building membranes in the brain. It protects you from heart disease and stroke and can contribute to healthier skin and hair.

Not everybody is a fish lover, and for those of you that aren't, almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds are great omega-3 replacements.

POMEGRANATE

Pomegranate is an amazing fruit filled with antioxidants and punicalagin--similar to acai berry juice and green tea. It has high levels of vitamins C, K and B5, which fight sickness, supports bone health, and helps the body metabolize. Pomegranates limit your risk for certain diseases such as prostate and breast cancer. They protect your cardiovascular health and because of all the vitamins and minerals (niacin, folic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, and fiber) it can even aid in pregnancy.

Pomegranate also has beauty benefits. It will slow the signs of aging, regenerate cells and protect you from the sun.

The biggest problem people have with pomegranates is getting the seeds out to eat. Watch this video--it will change your life!

AVOCADO

Avocados are one of the most versatile fruits, packed full of healthy fats and nutrients. They're a great source of fiber, potassium and vitamins C, K, folate, and B6. Eating half an avocado provides you with 160 calories, 2 grams of saturated fat and 15 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fat. When making healthy meals, replace the butter or spread with avocado for a delicious alternative. Not only do avocados have all sorts of healthy fats and oils, the mono-saturated fat in avocados helps your body absorb other fat-soluble minerals from other foods.

CLICK HERE for an awesome recipe for Garlicky Shrimp Avocado Sandwiches.

NUTS AND SEEDS

Eating nuts and seeds between meals is extremely filling and satisfying--and healthful. We're not talking about sugar-coated and candied nuts you can buy at a kiosk in the mall--we're talking natural, raw and un-salted nuts. Eating raw nuts and seeds will decrease your risk of many diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Eating nuts will inhibit those hunger cravings you may get in the middle of the afternoon, and in turn help control your weight.

Adding some chopped almonds to oatmeal, walnuts to your salad, or chia seeds to some peanut butter toast will give you an extra protein boost and burst of flavor. For a list of the healthiest nuts and seeds CLICK HERE.

There you have it, 5 power foods recommended by the Neon Vibe! Start eating a bit healthier and sign up for a race near you!