As the 2012 Summer Olympics open in London, we’ll all be admiring the strength of the world-class athletes competing for the gold. A large part of their training routine is choosing good fuel for their bodies. From a calories-in, calories-out perspective, most of us do not need as much food as an Olympic athlete, but we need the same types of food: fresh fruits & veggies, whole grains, lean protein and heart-healthy fats. Here’s a round-up of recipes to give your body Olympic-quality fuel throughout your day.
Strawberry Almond Butter Smoothie
Start your day with a healthy dose of fruit and protein begin on the right foot. If you struggle to get enough veggies in the day, this is a great smoothie to add a handful of greens to–blend them with the milk before adding the other ingredients to get the best texture. (2 Guiding Stars)
Spice-Roasted Almonds
When the mid-morning munchies hit, resist the urge to snag one of those donuts sitting in the break room. This simple recipe will give almonds new life so you’ll be content to munch on their protein and healthy fat-filled goodness. (3 Guiding Stars)
Moroccan Chicken & Couscous Salad
Delicious hot or cold, this lightly curried couscous with fresh snow peas, tender chicken and sweet golden raisins will delight your tastebuds and keep you running strong well into the afternoon. (2 Guiding Stars)
Fresh Salsa
If you’re craving crunch in the afternoon, satisfaction isn’t far away. Make a quick batch of this fresh salsa for a quick veggie boost and scoop it up with Guiding Stars-earning tortilla chips for a hunger-quelling boost of whole grain. (3 Guiding Stars)
Chicken Kebabs with Asian Spice Paste
The favorite dish of Olympic athletes this year is Thai Chicken Noodle Soup, and while soups like this can be tricky to balance because of the high amounts of cholesterol and sodium in the premade sauces used to flavor them, you can enjoy those powerful flavors at your own grill with these amazing kebabs. (2 Guiding Stars)
Asian Slaw
Pair this mayonnaise-free slaw with your Chicken Kebabs with Asian Spice Paste to get a tasty extra boost of greens at the dinner table. (2 Guiding Stars)
Blueberry Sorbet
Even Olympic athletes can enjoy a sweet treat from time to time, and with this sorbet recipe that includes nothing but fruit and juice, you can enjoy it a little more often than many dessert options. (2 Guiding Stars)