Whether it be soccer, football or lacrosse, peak pre-season performance may be as simple as what you eat. And while the benefits of consuming fruit on a daily basis are well known, specific fruits can serve distinct purposes on the field of play.

PRE-GAME BOOST
The nutrients in bananas benefit our heart, muscles, nerves, kidneys and bones. They’re ideal before a training session because they’re packed with carbohydrates, which can be converted into energy.

FUEL FOR YOUR LUNGS
Packed with nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, potassium, iron and beta-carotene, apricots are an ideal pre-session snack because they protect your heart and nourish your lungs. We recommend eating them dried for a greater, more concentrated energy supply.

FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Blueberries are great before a training session because they aid the immune system, which is often compromised through exercise. This fruit is high in antioxidants, which protect your body from free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage your cells.

SMOOTH RUNNING
With 20g of carbs, apples not only supply energy for running, but they also contain 4g of fiber, which serves as a probiotic. If you’re worried about eating too much fiber before a workout, all you need to do is peel off the skin.

FOR BATTLING FATIGUE
The nitrates found in strawberries may help to create a lower oxygen demand during exercise, resulting in less fatigue. Berries (both strawberries and blueberries) also contain polyphenols, a group of plant-based antioxidants that have a known ability to reduce muscle pain and inflammation.