So have you guys heard of athletes and refueling or pre fueling with maple syrup? I was intrigued and wondered how a substance that is basically a sugar could be considered training food for athletes.
But guys, there is tons of research out there that proves how good this stuff is for your body. And I love the fact that is 100% natural and vegan.
Why Maple?
• Maple syrup is 100% natural and a great alternative to sugar. Because it is unprocessed, it contains beneficial vitamins and minerals, including manganese, riboflavin, zinc and potassium.
• Maple syrup is a natural energy source, providing you with simple carbohydrates that are easily broken down by the body into glucose and used for fuel during exercise.
• Maple syrup contains 54 different antioxidant compounds. A 1/4 cup of maple syrup, for example, contains as much antioxidant activity as a raw tomato
or broccoli. Antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals from intense physical exercise.
• Maple syrup is an excellent source of manganese and zinc, two minerals vital for muscle recovery. A 1/4 cup of maple syrup meets 100% of your daily need for manganese, and 18% of the recommended daily value of zinc. Maple contains more manganese and zinc than other sweeteners
Maple: Fueled By Nature
Whether you are a frequent walker, weekend warrior or preparing for your next marathon, good nutrition is a key ingredient in a successful fitness regimen.Training hard can get you only so far without the right food choices. Pure maple syrup from Canada is an all-natural energy booster and a superior sweetener choice to help fuel your body before, during and after a workout. Our team of registered dietitians helped develop these maple tips and recipes perfect to enhance your healthy and active lifestyle.
Fit Maple Pre-Workout Tip:
To be a champion, you have to eat like one. Plan ahead and eat 60-90 minutes before your workout. The goal is to include foods that are high in carbs, moderate in protein and low in fat and fiber. Fat is not a quick fuel source, and because fiber-rich foods take longer to digest, they are not recommended
before exercise. The last thing you want is to feel full and weighed down when you’re trying to perform like a champion!
Fit Maple Post-Workout Tip:
Including pure maple syrup in your recovery meal provides you with replenished energy, manganese to help with muscle recovery and 54 different antioxidant compounds to help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Did you know?
• The darker the grade of maple syrup, the higher the antioxidant activity.
• Maple syrup contains fewer calories than corn syrup and honey.
• Leading pancake syrup brands in the U.S. contain NO pure maple syrup and rely on high fructose corn syrup as the primary source of sweetener. To get real, pure maple syrup in the grocery store, make sure the back label says 100% pure maple syrup and nothing less!
Information taken from here. Make sure you guys check out the link. There are great recipes on there, including one for an all natural sports drink. Got to love that.
Now I know that maple syrup can be expensive, but you and your health are worth it!
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