Summer veggies and fruits--like citrus (love those lemons), strawberries, red peppers, and leafy greens--are rich in vitamin C, which can help you get more out of every sweat session. A study in Nutrition & Metabolism found that exercisers who skimp on the vitamin burn 25 percent less fat during workouts!
Vitamin C helps produce carnitine, an amino acid that helps you use fat for energy. "If there is too little carnitine in your tissues, your body will use carbohydrates or protein for fuel," says lead author Carol S. Johnston, PHD., R.D., professor and chair of the department of nutrition at Arizona State University, who published the study. Not only does this reduce the amount of fat that you burn, but you're also more likely to feel fatigued when exercising.
Wanna get your C? Do like I do and sip lemon water throughout the day. A Green Goddess will give you that C as well. Aim for about 100 milligrams a day which is the amount in 10 large strawberries, one small red pepper, or 1 cup of cooked broccoli--And make sure you're eating organic fruits and veggies!
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