The body needs to fuel up before doing any activity such as workouts. However, there are some people who don’t eat meals because they are not sure what to eat or they don’t have enough time in the morning. It is best to eat a healthy meal before working out to make sure you have the energy to get active and burn calories. Here are some eating tips before a workout.
Have Breakfast Twice
That is – if you don’t have enough time in the morning. Split breakfast into two. Eat the first half at least 30 minutes before your workout and the other half 30 minutes after it. A good breakfast idea is peanut butter on a half slice of whole-wheat bread and a banana after your workout to restore glycogen stores. It would also be ideal to have sports drinks if you don’t feel like eating.
Balance Carbohydrates with Protein
The best meal before a workout would have high carbohydrates, moderate protein and low fat. Some people think that carbohydrates are not as important as protein when fueling up. While protein is important in repairing muscles, carbohydrates are also essential for energy. The key is to go for carbohydrates which are easy to digest such as whole-grain toasts. You may want to avoid food high in fat before exercising as it takes longer for the body to digest it.
Enjoy a Cup of Coffee
If you’re a coffee drinker, here’s good news for you – a research from the University of Copenhagen shows that drinking coffee before working out can help enhance your energy and reduce muscle soreness. Boost your workout by having an 8- to 12-ounce of espresso. Keep in mind that there are caffeinated drinks which can cause gas pains so drink a cup of espresso instead. You also have to eat healthy snacks with it.
Don’t Eat More Than You’ll Burn
You wouldn’t want to ruin your workout by eating more than you will burn. You might think that it would be okay to have a burger or pancakes since you will be working out. However, it will be harder for the body to digest it and you will only replace the calories you burned. Even if you’re getting cravings, don’t give in to it thinking that you’re rewarding yourself after a long, tiring workout. Go for healthier meals and take the time to prepare it at home rather than buying your meals from stores. This will help you make sure the meals are healthier and have less calories too.
These are only some of the best eating tips before a workout. Preparing healthier pre-workout meals is a good way to make sure you are getting enough energy to do different activities to stay fit and healthy. You may also want to prepare post-workout snacks so you can have energy and rebuild muscles after working out. Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and replenish the fluids the body loses through sweat.
Stephen Cole, a Fitness Camp Manager writes articles about health and fitness for FitFarms UK.
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