Cruciferous Vegetables

Getting loads of these popular veggies can help pump you up with vitamins and fiber, plus reduce the oxidative stress from lifting heavy.

- Adam Bible

Veggies are great for vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Cruciferous veggies, which include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale, can also help combat the stress created by intense workouts. "As beneficial as physical activity is, strength training adds stress to the body, which can increase harmful molecules referred to as free radicals,” says Heather Mangieri, R.D., L.D.N., spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. "Oxidative stress is an overload of these molecules, and a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables may help to protect against them."