Act Natural

You workout for the healthy body benefits, right? If that’s so, why feed your body supplements that may contain unhealthy chemicals and fillers?

Here are seven superfoods and natural supplements to make your workout routine contradiction free.

CAMU CAMU. Vitamin C is important to prevent muscle cramping, reduce soreness and can help put that extra pep in your step right before a workout. Although camu camu berries, found in flooded areas of the Amazon, are not sold at local markets, you can include it into your diet in other forms. Just one teaspoon a day of the powder is all you need for over 700 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Not convinced just yet? Camu camu also helps reduce inflammation and combat fatigue.

MATCHA. Matcha literally means “powdered tea.” Typically, when you order green tea, components from the leaves get infused into hot water, then the leaves are discarded. With matcha, however, you’re drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered. In other words, matcha is a more potent form of the nutrients found in green tea. So ditch the coffee, get creative and start your day with a matcha latte. mixture of blueberries and chocolate. And if that’s not reason enough to give it a go, the omega-3 fatty acids will improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and protect the brain. Score!

CHIA SEEDS. Chia helps hold water in the body, preventing dehydration. Nutrients such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, B vitamins and calcium all bundled up in one seed? I’ll take one teaspoon, please. Chia is also rich in fiber and potassium, so it helps combat bloating that can make workouts uncomfortable. One more bonus? The seeds are tasteless, so you can add them to just about anything.

CACAO. Many people deem cacao powder to be one of the top foods to consume right before a workout. Its theobromine content acts as a mild stimulant to give you long-lasting energy minus the sugar crash.

MACA. Maca isn’t only an energizing superfood that will improve your workouts, it’s also a great source of protein for your muscles.

ACAI BERRIES. Don’t feel like downing a serving of salmon at lunch? That’s OK; neither do we. Try acai berries. In case you’re wondering, the fruit tastes like a

Containing 20 amino acids in just one tablespoon, you’re practically guaranteed to see results—and fast! You can take the powder before or after you exercise. You’ll be using #lift in no time, kids.

Editor’s Note: Talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements or starting a new exercise routine.