Pho Real
Lately, Tellïo has been on a pho kick. Every Saturday for the last couple of weeks, after he runs his errands and finishes his physical training, Tellïo heads over to his favorite local Vietnamese spot. He fuels up on pho. Yes, the weather has been maddening, up into the 90's in the last few weeks. However, that didn't deter Breve from grabbing a bowl of warm broth to fuel his soul. His sweat increases due to the meal. Pho gets him every time - his go-to is well-done brisket with extra oxtails. Into his bowl, Tello sprinkles cilantro, chopped jalapenos, and minced mint leaves. Man doesn't like bean sprouts - the appearance gets to Tellïo and they bamboozled him in the past because they can be passed for extra noodles if a person is not paying attention or is super duper hungry. Something about pho hits the spot for him. Because he eats it after his workouts, it functions as an electrolyte replenishment and post-workout meal.
General benefits of Consuming Pho:
Hydration & Electrolytes – The broth (especially if simmered from bones) provides sodium, potassium, magnesium, and fluids to help with hydration
Protein Support – Beef, chicken, or tofu in pho boosts muscle maintenance and satiety
Collagen & Minerals – Bone broth can provide collagen, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, supporting joint and connective tissue health
Digestive Support – Herbs like basil, cilantro, and ginger aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties
Balanced Meal – Pho typically contains broth (hydration), protein, noodles (carbohydrates), and vegetables (fiber, micronutrients), making it a fairly balanced meal
Immune Support – Garlic, onions, and spices in pho have antimicrobial properties that may support immunity
Benefits After a Workout:
After extended physical activity, your body needs recovery fuel:
Replenishes Carbs – Rice noodles provide easily digestible carbohydrates to restore glycogen in your muscles
Supports Muscle Repair – Lean meat or tofu provides protein to repair small muscle tears from exercising
Rehydrates & Restores Electrolytes – The warm, salty broth replaces sodium lost through sweat and helps maintain fluid balance
Joint & Tendon Recovery – Collagen and amino acids from bone broth (if used) may support recovery of tendons and ligaments
Anti-inflammatory Herbs – Thai basil, cilantro, ginger, and chili peppers may reduce post-exercise inflammation
Warmth & Circulation - Hot broth helps with blood flow, muscle relaxation, and overall comfort after exertion
Ideal ways to use pho as a recovery:
Load it with extra lean protein (brisket, chicken, or even egg)
Add vegetables (bean sprouts, herbs, chili, lime) for antioxidants
Keep sodium moderate if you are not sweating heavily, but if you sweat a lot, pho’s natural saltiness helps.
This trend happened organically for Tellïo and now he's reaping the benefits. The man initially wanted a bowl of soup on a hot day and now it has become one of his habits on Saturdays. He is hydrated and alert after his meal. Sweat drips off his forehead, snot forms in and around his nose. However, it's that kind of battle where you don't mind dealing with since the flavor and taste of every spoonful of pho is sooo satisfying. This is the complete opposite of Tellïo because he doesn't like fighting against his food. As an example, he doesn't consume shellfish unless it has been deshelled. Nevertheless, the message of this blog is that pho is delicious and soothes the soul and the belly. If you ever want to try something different or something warm and comforting, treat yourself to a bowl of pho. Tellïo is on his way out for a bowl of pho as this blog ends. As Always, Stay Strong & Stay Vivid!
Reference
PubMed. (2025). Bone Broth: Health Benefits, Nutrients, with amino acids & mineral effects on gut inflammation, IBD cdhf.ca+7PubMed+7WebMD+7.
National Geographic. (2024, December 26). Here’s how drinking bone broth benefits your health. Explores collagen, protein, and minerals in bone broth TIME+15National Geographic+15Food & Wine+15.
Food & Wine. (2025, April 27). Does Bone Broth Actually Benefit You? We Asked Dietitians... Notes ~9 g protein per cup, amino acids, gut‑supporting effects Food & Wine.