Boost Your Workout with Plant-Based Protein

Working out requires a lot of energy, as such, it's a good idea to eat energy-boosting, healing and beneficial foods to support your physiology. What you eat before and after hitting the gym can make a big difference to your workout and the results you will see for all your hard work. It's a common misconception that eating meat and dairy is key to getting enough protein, but in fact there are a lot of plant-based protein sources that can do wonders for your workout, are great for your health and boast many other benefits like vitamin B to boost energy, magnesium for optimal muscle and nervous system functions, and iron for good blood flow. 

Here are some plant-based proteins you can eat pre or post workout so you can train harder with more energy and recover faster. Add them to smoothies and juices, incorporate them in your breakfast, lunch, dinner or pre-work out snack. 

Spinach

One of the best sources of plant-based iron, B vitamins, magnesium, and protein is spinach. It helps deliver energy to the muscles as well as oxygen to the bloodstream to ensure healthy blood flow. Moreover, spinach can also prevent muscle breakdown. A cup of spinach contains around 5 grams of protein, thus, it can also aid you in keeping your blood sugar steady and improve lean muscle mass. Fresh spinach is super versatile and can be used in any of your meals or use spinach powder for a convenient spinach hit. 

Chia

Chia seeds can absorb up to a whopping 12 times their weight in water, often taken by athletes to boost energy these little seeds can help to super charge your workout. Chia seeds contain iron, B vitamins, potassium, protein, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, and a lot of fibre to stimulate you to exercise longer. Chia seeds are tasteless so they are great to add to smoothies, make chia pudding or try chia seed protein powder for a easily consumable alternative. 

Spirulina

This deep blue-green powder is incredibly rich in protein and is actually one of the few sources of plant-based foods that has more protein per 100g that meat. Not only is spirulina a protein powerhouse it is also rich in vitamins B6, B12, C, D and E, a huge range of minerals including iron, chlorophyll, iodine, magnesium, potassium, folic acid and tons more. Spirulina can be beneficial for healthy digestion, metabolism, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and circulation, connective tissue, and bone and joint support. 

Cacao

Cacao is another good source of energy and protein that has a delicious chocolate taste. It gives you an endorphin boost and contains a large dose of iron to deliver oxygen to your cells more efficiently. It's also a rich source of magnesium which can relieve muscle aches and spasms, aid sleep and increase energy levels. Cacao powder can be added to your smoothies or porridge, incorporated in to puddings, cakes and breakfast bowls.

Coconut butter

Coconut butter does not only contain fibre and oil from the coconut fruit, but it also has MCT fats that help distribute immediate energy to the cells via the liver and help provide a mood boost, too! You can add coconut butter to any of your meals to replace butter, oils and spreads, add to your snack before you hit the gym for an extra boost 

Plant-based protein powders

There are a huge variety of protein powders available to buy now, each with differing protein contents and added extra benefits. Hemp, pea, pumpkin, sunflower and chia are just a few of our favourites. 
When shopping around for your favourite protein powder be sure to look at the ingredients, some brands will add refined sugar, artificial flavours and emulsifiers to try to improve taste and texture but this decreases the quality of the product. Look out for pure, organic proteins that can actually create a big difference in your workout and your lean muscle mass. Protein powders are super simple to add to soups, stews, smoothies and juices, or use them in baking. We especially like adding them to pancakes, muffins and other baked breakfast goodies for a morning boost. 

Detox Trading offers plant-based proteins that will help boost your energy, build and tone muscle, sustain you for longer and replace whey or soya from your post workout shake. Visit our website for our full range of protein packed products here. ​