Dimitris Orfanakos, fitness trainer and founder of the Gains Lab project, always looked for interesting, healthy food options for takeaway, but he ordered meals like chicken souvlakia. Noticing the gap that existed in the Greek market and knowing that many people face the same problem when looking for what food to order, he decided that the only way forward was to create Gains Lab, a shop with fitness meals.
Gains Lab has been operating in the Athens neighbourhood of Nea Philadelphia since March. It is loved by professional athletes, sports groups (basketball, martial arts, etc.), and people who work out and watch their diet.
The store has a variety of delicious fitness food options that you can enjoy without a subscription.
More specifically, you will find healthy options such as yoghurt bowls, eggs, salads, and wraps to satisfy a craving. You can also complete lunches with beef biftekia, chicken with sweet potato, beetroot and, roasted cauliflower, salmon fillet with basmati rice.
All Gains Lab products are freshly cooked and nutritionally balanced since a professional cook, in collaboration with a nutritionist, has prepared the menu.
The meals list the calories, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in detail so that you have the best control over your diet. You can also choose whether you want a small, medium, or large portion because each body needs a different amount of food.
However, if you are looking for healthy sweets such as doughnuts and pancakes or brunch such as their twisted "croque madame" with egg, goat cheese, avocado cream and chicken, the store also has such options in its physical store in Nea Philadelphia and delivery.
Given that exercise combined with proper nutrition is necessary for health, we asked Mr Orfanakos for three tips for those who exercise and want to achieve the best possible performance.
1. The importance of hydration
"Ensuring that the body is hydrated before and during exercise is essential. A dehydrated body can negatively affect a person's muscle strength, mental clarity and endurance," notes Mr Orfanakos.
2. Nutrition according to the specialised needs of each person
According to Mr. Orfanakos, "Proper nutrition, which is adapted to the needs of each athlete, acts as the driving force during sports. For example, insufficient protein intake can create a negative nitrogen balance in the body, resulting in slow recovery after exercise and, in time, will lead to injuries and/or loss of muscle mass."
3. Adequate rest for proper recovery
“Our brain and nervous system play the most important role in achieving the individual's maximum performance. Many athletes do not know that during training, micro-damages occur in the muscle tissue, and most of them are 'repaired' during sleep," says Mr. Orfanakos.
Info: 11 Paleon Patron Germanou, Nea Filadelfia, tel. 2110018008
Despina Baraki is a columnist for Cantina. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
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