To fuel your workouts you need good sources of energy. Protein helps you increase your metabolism, burn calories, and build muscle, while fruits and vegetables provide a nutrient boost. Shom Chowdhury, the founder of one of my favorite healthy food sources, Indie Fresh, is as passionate about fitness as he is about making healthy food delicious. These are his top power food picks:

PRE-WORKOUT FUEL

“My go-to is granola, banana, and almond milk. Bananas have a ton of potassium and digestible carbs. You can’t be scared of the ‘C’ word—you must have enough energy to make any workout worthwhile and healthy,” says Chowdhury. “Granola and almond milk are packed with protein, but unlike protein powders, they burn quickly and don’t leave you feeling heavy and, more importantly, don’t take a lot of energy to digest. Basically this is a great snack that converts to energy. Don’t have enough time to grab everything? Go with the banana; it works every time.”

BISON

With half the total fat of beef, bison is my top source of protein. It also has tons of B vitamins, which help with testosterone production and energy.

CAULIFLOWER

This is a great natural, vegan metabolism-booster and is filling, too.

SALMON

One of the tastiest fish available, salmon is rich in protein, omega-3s, and amino acids. It’s a great source of lean protein that helps with muscle and tissue development. Perfect for pre-workout and workout recovery.

BLACK BEANS

These are an off-the- charts source of protein and fiber, and a great way for vegans and vegetarians to get protein.

BLUEBERRIES

Dark berries are great for mental focus and memory retention. I like them in pre-/post-workout smoothies, where they act as a low-calorie sweetener. They are full of antioxidants and are a great source of vitamin C.

CHERRIES

Cherries help with muscle inflammation post-workout. Their effects are similar to ginger but the taste is less harsh.

MATCHA

Think of it as a coffee sub- stitute. Drink it in the morning, and the effects last all day. Matcha is a highly concentrated green tea in powder form that provides enhanced focus and sustained energy without the crash that comes from caffeine. It also helps with detoxification.

This story originally appeared in Beauty From the Inside Out by Bobbi Brown.