An apple a day keeps the doctor away… we know, we know. But what about the orthopedic, podiatrist, rehab therapist, chiropractor, and all the other doctors out there that prescribe the fitness enthusiasts equivalent to the death sentence. “Well, by the looks of this (enter injury here) you’re going to have to take at least six to eight weeks off.”

We try to train smart, recover well and say no to seconds all in the hopes of maintaining a fit and healthy body that’s ready for whatever sweat-pouring workout we plan to endure tomorrow. But sometimes, that’s just not enough.

An apple a day may have given the stiff arm to the doctor when you were 4-years-old, but now your body needs a myriad of nutrients to ensure that all systems are a go. Fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and healthy oils—interpretations of these foods, and some additions of a few others, may be just what you need to ditch the doctor and keep hitting the gym.

In an online article, Best Health rated the top seven fitness foods, some of which may be common sense and others just might surprise you. First up, chocolate milk. Too good to be true? Think again. This childhood favorite is a great post-workout recovery drink because of its ability to help repair muscles. Be sure to choose a low fat variety to ditch the unnecessary fat, and relish in knowing you’re repairing your muscles and taking in more than 10 essential nutrients.

To pack in some protein, fiber and vitamin E, grab a handful of almonds, or toss some on your salad. According to the article, almonds have shown to lower bad cholesterol and help in weight management. Drop some excess weight, and if your joints could write you a thank-you card, they’d send 10.

Beans and legumes are also waist-whittling foods that help to slow digestion and keep you feeling full. A cup of beans has almost as much protein as two cups of milk, and when paired with whole-grains they contain all the essential amino acids. Avocados deliver both insoluble and soluble fiber, which keep your digestive system running smoothly. Avocado oil has also been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as bone fractures.

So say, “bye, bye” to the doctor and “hello” to the gym, because fueling up on these, and other fitness super foods, will help to keep that strong body of yours ready and willing for your workout of choice! To read up on the rest of the foods that round out the top seven, just click on the following link: Best Health’s Top 7 Fitness Foods.

**Looking for some healthy recipe ideas? Why don’t you try Hyper Wear Facebook fan, Megan Callahan’s pancake interpretation: 5 egg whites, 1/4c old fashioned oats, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp truvia. Blend in the blender till smooth, then cook in non-stick pan with a little pam/non-stick spray until done on both sides. I put my 1 tbsp raw almond butter on top and voila! Hungry for another? A favorite snack of Dee Fit’s is vanilla chobani, 1/4c Kashi GoLean Crunch and 4 sliced strawberries!