It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the choices out there for improving athletic performance. But there is no substitute for a nutritious diet. It’s best to stay away from the exotic designer supplements out there. Instead, there are 2 worth looking at which are good to take even as regular food.

Whey protein and egg powders generally have the highest Biological Value (BV) of any protein-rich food. BV is a rating used to measure the percentage of protein utilized by the body. It also has the broadest range of essential amino acids including BCAAs. Whey will benefit your workout, and it’s also excellent for supporting brain function. One of the best whey proteins available is Jay Robb Whey Protein. It's all natural and free of growth hormones (rBGH). My personal favorite is Gifted Egg Originals egg white protein. Hemp protein is a good option for vegetarians and vegans. It's best to stay away from brown rice protein, only because it tends to contain a large amount of toxins.

There is a large selection of electrolyte drinks, many of which are crossing over as energy drinks. If you’re looking for something healthy without all the additives, coconut water is an excellent choice. It contains more calcium, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and sodium than any popular sports drink.