Workouts: Know What to Eat and When
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Two sometimes overlooked aspects of nutrition are pre and post workout meals. This doesn’t mean filling up on cheesecake and bacon (mmmm…bacon…), then working out. If you are among those who are not sure what to eat when, fear not, you’re not alone.
Pre-Workout Nutrition
When you begin your workout, stored glycogen is the body’s main energy source, so fueling up pre-workout means complex carb consumption. They release their sugars very slowly into the body. Eating complex carbs before a session can reduce the amount of glycogen that is used during a workout, which translates to more energy while training. MSNBC lists the following suggestions for a pre workout snack:
- a banana with yogurt
- a whole-wheat toasted bagel with fruit spread
- a quick bowl of instant oatmeal
Working out on a full stomach can cause sluggishness and cramping, so be sure to eat at least an hour before your session.
Post-Training
After your workout has ended, your muscles are fatigued and in need of repair. This translates to ingesting protein and carbs. Consume these foods immediately following your workout – ideally, within an hour of finishing. Bodybuilding.com suggests that a whey protein shake may be preferable post workout, as the body absorbs liquid faster.
The pre and post workout meals are two of the most important meals of the day – don’t overlook them. Also be sure to eat the right types of food through out the day and your body will have the fuel it needs for peak performance!
Written by: Donnell Peavy
