Foods for fitness: 19 great picks

Can food improve your fitness routine? Yes! A healthy diet is essential to boosting energy, repairing damage, preventing injury, and replenishing nutrients lost after a long run or strenuous workout. But before you reach for a candy bar (or some other quick, but unhealthy, snack) to get your energy back, take a minute to watch this slide show about 19 great foods for fitness.

For instance, did you know that women who eat a diet with too little fat at are higher risk of being injured? Eating avocados, which are rich in monounsaturated fats, are an excellent way to add the right kind of fat to your diet. Complex carbohydrates -- like those found in whole grains -- give you energy, while potassium-rich bananas help with fluid absorption. Or try a little hummus, which pack carbs, protein, and healthy fats in one tasty punch. Don't be afraid to eat before a workout; feeding your body the right kinds of foods up to an hour before you exercise can give you work harder, faster, and for a longer period of time.

The slide show will tell you why these foods are great for fitness, but for those of you in a hurry, here's the list at a glance:

1. avocado
2. whole grain bagels
3. bananas
4. berries
5. carrots
6. whole grain cereal
7. chicken thighs
8. chocolate milk
9. cottage cheese
10. cranberries
11. eggs
12. ground flaxseed
13. hummus
14. oranges
15. peanuts
16. potatoes
17. salmon
18. whey protein
19. yogurt