Ginger
A member of the turmeric family, ginger is also a powerful anti-inflammatory food. It can be beneficial during a race to help with GI discomfort and nausea. It can also help manage pain and inflammation. Ginger is also more effective at managing pain and inflammation than NSAIDs, according to the Journal of Pain.
How to use: Sprinkle on oats or make a sunflower butter-sprouted grain bread sandwich and add ginger on top of the butter and jam. You can also cut up small slices of fresh ginger and pour hot water over to make a ginger tea. Lastly, if you juice at home, try adding fresh ginger.
More: Ginger's Health Benefits
Plant-based protein
Instead of reaching for dairy products, consider making a quinoa bowl.
When you finish training, your body has incurred inflammation, and one of the best things you can do to help speed your recovery time is to put down the dairy and reach for organic plant-based protein.
Dairy is at the top of the list when it comes to inflammatory foods, which is why drinking chocolate milk after a workout is not always a good idea.
A quinoa bowl mixed with saut?ed or raw veggies and topped with Bragg Nutritional Yeast with Hemp Hearts is a great way to be kind to your muscles.
More: The Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Honorable Mentions
Cinnamon, tart cherry juice, coconut water and chia seeds are also great recovery options that help reduce inflammation.
More: 11 Foods That Fight Inflammation
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