When people start their fitness journeys, they often think that all they need to do is go and work out. Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near that simple – while exercise is important, it’s equally critical that you get enough sleep, rest throughout the remainder of the day, and eat the right food.
Getting the right kinds of nutrition before and after going to the gym is an absolute must, but how do you get these nutrients? Here, we explore some of the benefits of tuna for the frequent gym-goer, to show why it’s a must-have food for most of us.
This is a collaborative post.
It’s a great source of protein
When you go to the gym, whether you’re an endurance athlete or a bodybuilder, you’re intentionally putting your body under stress so that it can build itself back better and stronger. However, in order for this to be possible, you need to give your body the right fuel to repair itself.
Tuna from brands like John West are a great source of highly bioavailable protein, containing around 29 grams per 100 grams of fish. This kind of fuel makes it possible for your body to repair itself, coming back stronger than before.
It’s low in calories
While this obviously won’t apply to everyone, a lot of people do go to the gym to get their weight down. Even if that’s not your sole health objective, it’s still important to be conscious of the general number of calories you eat throughout the week.
Tuna is protein-rich and low in calories, meaning that you can still get your nutrients without having to compromise in other areas. If you still need to get some more carbs and fats in, you can then actively choose to add them through other foods, such as rice or sweet potato.
Easy and quick to prepare
If you have a busy schedule and still manage to fit in regular gym sessions, the chances are that you won’t have heaps of time left over to prepare food after your sessions. As a result, it’s important that you have some healthy options that are super simple to prepare.
Tuna – especially canned tuna – absolutely ticks this box. Just get yourself a spoon, open the can, and you’re good to go.
Packed with other nutrients
Lastly, you don’t just need protein in order to stay fit and healthy. You need a whole host of other minerals, vitamins, acids and other nutrients that are necessary for the healthy functioning of your body. As luck would have it, tuna is packed with these!
It’s rich in omega-3 oils (or ‘fatty acids’) which are crucial in recovery and inflammation reduction. It also has a relatively high vitamin B content, which helps to keep your immune system functioning at its best even when you’re working hard at the gym.
Tuna obviously isn’t your only option when it comes to gym nutrition, but it’s a good one to add to your list of go-to’s. It’s so convenient and affordable that it’s impossible to not give it a go, at the very least.