When it comes to eating in regards to your workouts, it’s not just about what you eat. It’s also about when you eat it. What and when you eat, can impact how you are feeling when you are working out. Here’s some tips for exercise and eating.
When it comes to eating in regards to your workouts, it’s not just about what you eat. It’s also about when you eat it. What and when you eat, can impact how you are feeling when you are working out. Here’s some tips for exercise and eating.
Tip #1: Remember Breakfast! – Even if you have a busy morning, never forget breakfast – especially if you exercise in the mornings. Try to finish your breakfast an hour prior to working out. The reason for this is, your body hasn’t had any fuel for at least 8 hours. Giving your body a proper amount of fuel prior to your workout, can help you to work out at a higher intensity, or for a longer duration. Eat a light breakfast or drink something such as a sports drink. Emphasize carbohydrates for maximum energy.
Tip #2: Don’t Overeat Prior to Exercising – If you want to avoid feeling sluggish, keep your meals light in quantity prior to working out. A good rule of thumb is, if you’ve had a big meal, wait about 3-4 hours prior to exercising. Light meals – 1-3 hours prior to exercising. This gives you the proper amount of fuel, while keeping yourself from feeling weighted down.
Tip #3: Snacks Are Good – Sometimes – Be careful with snacks. It all depends on what you’re feeling. If you’re feeling hunger pains prior to your workout, a small snack can keep you focused on your workout. But if your workout is under 60 minutes, it probably won’t give you extra energy during your workout, as you’re body will not have had a chance to digest that snack in time for it to make a difference. But, a carbohydrate-rich food source like an energy bar, a banana, yogurt, or a peanut butter sandwich, may make a difference if you’re going to be exercising for more than 60 minutes.
Tip #4: Post Exercise Refueling – Once you’ve finished your workout, your body needs nutrients for recovery, as well as new fuel to keep your energy levels up. You want a meal that has both protein to rebuild muscle, and carbohydrates to rebuild your muscles glycogen (i.e.. fuel) stores.
Tip #5: Stay Hydrated! – You also need the proper amount of fluids before, during, and after exercise. You need to prevent dehydration, and the best source of hydration is water. Try to drink 2-3 cups of water a couple of hours prior to exercising. You also need about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of water every 15-20 minutes during exercise (and even more if it’s hot out!) and another 2-3 cups of water, for every pound of weight you lost during your workout (the weight loss you experience during your workout is most likely due to dehydration, so this helps you to rehydrate).
And, for the best home fitness equipment for your workouts, stop into any of Fitness 4 Home Superstore’s three Phoenix-area locations today!
