Powerbars and other processed foods can do wonders when it comes to supplying fuel for workouts; however, processed food is often hard for the body to break down and digest. They might not be the healthiest choice.

There are some natural foods that could supercharge a workout. In fact, you probably have the foods in your kitchen right now!

People used to think that coffee gives extra energy. Researchers have now determined that the energy boosting effect has more to do with the caffeine than it does the coffee; however, there might be other compounds in the coffee that amplify caffeine’s effect.

That being said, coffee can give you a boost so that you can get yourself moving, but it won’t sustain you through an entire workout. It also might dehydrate you more quickly, so it is important to schedule your coffee drinking time appropriately and stay hydrated.

Yogurt is another performance food. The probiotics in yogurt will help to calm a queasy stomach, which is ideal for those athletes who get nervous. There are other health benefits, but overall, yogurt will offer a good mix of carbohydrates and proteins, making it a great recovery fuel.

One of my favorite natural fuels is honey. Honey is like sugar in that it contains an equal amount of fructose and glucose. The darker the honey, the better it is for you, and the more compounds it has in it that have disease-fighting abilities. Honey contains a lot of antioxidants and vitamins, and this makes it very valuable. It is easy to digest, so your body will be able to use it as a fuel when you want it to! I would definitely pick this sugar over the sports drinks out there.

Natural foods can have major benefits to them when it comes to fueling your workout. For me, I feel so much healthier when I go with the natural option rather than a powerbar.