All soccer players know the importance of eating healthy—but in addition to square meals and plenty of water, do you know which foods are the most beneficial for your game, in more ways than one? In today’s blog, we will be exploring superfoods—powerful foods that pack a punch on and off the field—worth stocking up on this season.

Kale

Rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that reduce inflammation, kale is a superfood paced with nutritional benefits. We especially love just how versatile kale actually is—you can enjoy it in a salad, mix it into your smoothie for a healthful boost, or even bake it in the oven for tasty, easy-to-enjoy kale chips.

Bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin B6 and other nutrients—but are perhaps best known for their ability to prevent and reduce uncomfortable cramps experienced while running. Thanks to this helpful feature (which is a must for soccer players), we happily enjoy bananas in our smoothies or simply right out of the peel.

Quinoa

Modern recipes frequently call for quinoa to fill the place that classics such as rice once occupied. This is because of the vast benefits quinoa offers—in addition to protein and carbohydrates, quinoa offers calcium, iron, zinc and more, making it much more substantial than your everyday, refined carb.

Oatmeal

Starting your day off with a warm bowl of oatmeal isn’t just comforting—it’s good for you, too! The fiber and complex carbohydrates found in oatmeal make it a naturally pleasing choice for athletes of every type. It has a low glycemic index, too, so the energy it provides is released slowly and steadily throughout the day.

Salmon

Every soccer player needs their protein—and salmon offers just that, plus so much more. With omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation, as well as selenium, an antioxidant that promotes heart health, you can feel proud of enjoying salmon throughout the week and on big game days.

As always, pair these delicious (and powerful) foods with a balanced diet to keep you playing your best all year long.