SUPERFOODS: A Muay Thai Fighter’s Menu

Great Fighters Are Fed, Not Bred

From Muay Thai Guy

Want to train and fight in top condition? It all begins with your diet.

Let’s get this out of the way: I am not a nutritionist.

I am, however, a former fighter who, like most of you, is always searching for tools and diets that will improve my daily living.

We all know that nutrition is the foundation to our performances and well-being. Below is a list of three superfoods that have helped me tremendously. Keep in mind that we are all different and what may work for me may not work for you.

Superfood: BEET JUICE

Beet root contains essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, sodium, zinc, and copper, just to name a few.

According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consuming nitrate-rich beetroot improved running performance in healthy adults. In addition to that, in 2014, the Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise discovered that beetroot juice enhanced the performance of trained cyclists.

Scientists have found that beetroot can increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and can reduce the amount of oxygen that muscles require in order to function optimally. This means that consuming beetroot will provide an increase in energy, performance and stamina.

Soon after reading these articles, I began downing beetroot juice before going to the gym and lifting weights. I immediately felt a surge of energy, power and endurance. From that moment on, I eliminated the caffeinated pre-workout beverages I was consuming and started juicing on the regular.

Juicing beetroot can be expensive and time-consuming, which is why I only do it once or twice a week. My go-to juice is mixing beetroot, celery, apples, and ginger root.

Superfood: CHLOROPHYLL

Most of us have heard about all the benefits of eating greens.

I remember the day I was listening to the Tim Ferris Podcast and he announced that he was consuming Athletic Greens to help him perform and keep viruses at bay.

I immediately went on Amazon to purchase a dose of this magic potion Tim was selling, despite the steep price tag. I purchased the product anyways and not only did I not feel the benefits, I also had a hard time consuming the green powder.

I then asked myself, “what makes a product green?” What’s the greenest of all greens? Bam! Chlorophyll.

I ordered a bottle of Dr. Souza’s Liquid Chlorophyll from Amazon and that was all she wrote. I instantly felt a slight but steady energy boost.

Today I use chlorophyll for my recovery. I typically mix a shot glass of liquid chlorophyll with water after all my workouts. Each and every time, whether sparring, weight lifting or doing plyometrics, I feel ready to exercise again right away.

Superfood: COCONUT OIL

The Internet is loaded with conflicting information related to coconut oil.

Some websites advise us not to consume too much of it due to its high levels of saturated fat. Other sites swear that coconut oil is the cure-all.

Whenever I can, I try to work out as soon as I wake up, which is typically between 5-6 a.m. Those workouts will usually consist of bag work and calisthenics. Waking up that early doesn’t give me much time to make coffee or breakfast so I would train on an empty stomach and I felt good.

However, this past year, after reading about the benefits of coconut oil, I began taking a tablespoon every day before my morning workouts. Now, my energy and focus are through the roof. Not only does coconut oil enhances my work-outs, it also keeps me going throughout the day.

Swear By Superfoods

All in all, beetroot juice, chlorophyll, and coconut oil are my super foods of choice. They fuel my workouts and recovery, and help me get through my daily grind. Feel free to test these super foods for yourself and let us know what you think.