Apples. Water. Lean meats.

It’s no surprise that the aforementioned foods come highly recommended for their bevy of health benefits.

But I’m here to shake things up a little.

Here are five natural foods that boost endurance and stamina levels, and while they’ve been around forever, only now are they starting to gain in popularity.

And with darn good reason.

Here are the five foods any athlete should be eating now:

• Quinoa: Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) basically embodies every single quality of the catchphrase “super food.” That it’s affordable, easily available, and easy to make are additional boons. A complex grain, it makes for a delicious breakfast or evening meal. It contains both high levels of protein and carbohydrates and all nine essential amino acids, which are critical to the functioning of the human body. It’s been said that quinoa was the go-to meal of the ancient Inca warriors because it increased stamina and endurance. Try it, and you too will be a believer. I like to cook mine with a low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (to give it extra flavor), toss in some roasted almonds, dried cranberries, and you’ve got dinner.
• Kale: Stop. Just, stop. I know what you’re thinking, in part because I used to feel the same way: Kale? Eww. But please – just for a moment – suspend any preconceived notions you may have and hear me out. Kale’s nickname is “plant beef” for good reason: This leafy green is loaded with calcium, iron and fatty acids that are vital for a hard-training athlete. And how can you not want to at least try a food whose moniker is “plant beef”?
• Chia seeds: This is like The Little Seed that Could. One of nature’s best plant-based sources of complete protein, chia seeds raise your energy levels immediately upon consumption.  It’s often recommended that chia seeds be added to smoothies, but I’d like to offer a word of caution here: Too much, and your smoothie will have a Jell-O-like consistency (trust me; I speak from personal experience). I suggest adding chia seeds to yogurt instead.
• Peanut butter: Chances are, you’ve already heard that peanut butter is a darling of nutritionists everywhere, but did you know that it helps release extra dopamine to improve your mental focus? It is also a rich source of protein, that helps sore muscles and tissues heal quickly improving your recovery times. And, hello, it’s tasty on everything from crackers to apples.
• Pickle juice: I bet you didn’t see this one coming. Pickle juice actually replenishes electrolytes and essential salt an athlete loses during strenuous activity and perspiration. It hydrates and avoids muscle cramping, too.

So pick up some quinoa, chia seeds, and kale; make your next jar of peanut butter family size; and, whatever you do, don’t throw out the juice with the empty pickle jar.

Courtney Conover is a mom of two and the wife of former Detroit Lions offensive lineman and current Heads Up Football Ambassador Scott Conover. She has more Legos and NFL memorabilia lying around her home than she knows what to do with. She is also a certified yoga instructor and a contributing writer to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. She blogs at The Brown Girl with Long Hair (http://www.thebrowngirlwithlonghair.com) and over-shares on Facebook. Follow her here. (https://www.facebook.com/thebrowngirlwithlonghair)