Since partnering with Untapped Maple and wanting to fuel more naturally this year, I thought it would be fun to look into the benefits of Maple Syrup and incorporate into my workouts and recipes.
If you're an athlete looking for a natural sweetener to enhance your performance, maple syrup might just be the answer. This delicious and versatile sweetener offers a range of benefits that can give you that extra edge in your athletic endeavors. Here are some of the top benefits of maple syrup for athletes:
- Sustained energy: Maple syrup contains complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy. Unlike simple sugars, which can cause energy spikes and crashes, the complex carbohydrates in maple syrup provide a steady and sustained release of energy. This can be particularly beneficial for endurance athletes, helping them to maintain their energy levels over long periods of time.
- Nutrient boost: Maple syrup is not just a source of empty calories. It also contains important nutrients such as manganese, zinc, and antioxidants. These nutrients can help support overall health and well-being, as well as aiding recovery and reducing inflammation after intense workouts.
- Natural source of electrolytes: Electrolytes are essential for maintaining proper hydration and muscle function, especially during exercise. Maple syrup contains small amounts of important electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, making it a natural and healthy option for replenishing these vital minerals during and after workouts.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The antioxidants found in maple syrup have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for athletes dealing with muscle soreness and inflammation. By including maple syrup in your diet, you may be able to reduce the recovery time needed after intense training sessions or competitions.
- Improved digestion: Maple syrup contains prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy and efficient digestive system is crucial for athletes, as it can help maximize nutrient absorption and ensure optimal performance.
- Versatile and delicious: One of the best things about maple syrup is its versatility. It can be used as an energy source during workouts, and as a sweetener in a wide variety of foods and beverages, from oatmeal and smoothies to salad dressings and marinades. Its rich and distinctive flavor can also add a delicious touch to your meals, making it easier to stick to a healthy and balanced diet.
Maple syrup has a lot to offer for athletes. From providing sustained energy and essential nutrients to supporting hydration and recovery, it's a natural sweetener that can help take your performance to the next level. So, next time you're reaching for a sweetener, consider giving maple syrup a try - your body will thank you for it!
Check out this recipe incorporating maple syrup:
Chili Garlic Tofu with Broccoli
What you need to do
Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the
salt, cracked peppercorns and smashed garlic, and cook for 1-2
minutes until fragrant. Add the tofu pieces into the skillet and cook
for approximately 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Meanwhile, steam the broccolini until tender.
Add the chili garlic paste, maple syrup and liquid aminos to a small
bowl, stir to combine and set aside.
Cut the seaweed sheets into thin strips.
Once the tofu is golden, divide it between two plates.
Transfer the steamed broccolini to the skillet and stir to coat it with
the remaining oil and flavors. Sprinkle over the toasted sesame
seeds and divide the broccolini between the plates.
To serve, drizzle the tofu and broccolini with the chili sauce and
top it with the seaweed strips.
Serves 2:
2 tbsp. peanut oil
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. cracked black
peppercorns
4 garlic cloves, smashed
8 oz. (225g) extra-firm tofu,
diced
8 oz. (225g) broccolini (or
substitute halved or shredded
Brussels sprouts, broccoli
florets, or green beans)
1 tbsp. chili garlic paste (or
substitute sambal oelek)
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1½ tsp. liquid aminos (or
substitute tamari sauce)
Garnish:
2 small sheets seaweed,
sliced into thin strips
1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
Prep Cook Kcal Fats(g) Carbs(g) Protein(g) Fibre(g)
10 mins 10 mins 392 25 26 23 6
Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the
salt, cracked peppercorns and smashed garlic, and cook for 1-2
minutes until fragrant. Add the tofu pieces into the skillet and cook
for approximately 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Meanwhile, steam the broccolini until tender.
Add the chili garlic paste, maple syrup and liquid aminos to a small
bowl, stir to combine and set aside.
Cut the seaweed sheets into thin strips.
Once the tofu is golden, divide it between two plates.
Transfer the steamed broccolini to the skillet and stir to coat it with
the remaining oil and flavors. Sprinkle over the toasted sesame
seeds and divide the broccolini between the plates.
To serve, drizzle the tofu and broccolini with the chili sauce and
top it with the seaweed strips.
2 tbsp. peanut oil
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. cracked black
peppercorns
4 garlic cloves, smashed
8 oz. (225g) extra-firm tofu,
diced
8 oz. (225g) broccolini (or
substitute halved or shredded
Brussels sprouts, broccoli
florets, or green beans)
1 tbsp. chili garlic paste (or
substitute sambal oelek)
2 tbsp. maple syrup
1½ tsp. liquid aminos (or
substitute tamari sauce)
Garnish:
2 small sheets seaweed,
sliced into thin strips
1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 10 minutes
Kcal 392
Fats(g) 25
Carbs(g) 26
Protein(g) 23
Fibre(g) 6
10 mins 10 mins 392 25 26 23
*Nutrition per serve. **Zero-rounded macro values contribute to overall nutrition.
Enjoy!
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