Eating the right foods before and after a workout is essential for fuelling your body and aiding in recovery. In this blog, we will discuss the best foods to eat before and after a workout to optimise your performance and results.
Before a workout, it’s important to eat a meal that will provide you with sustained energy throughout your exercise. Complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and sweet potatoes are a great option. They break down slowly in the body, providing a steady stream of energy. Additionally, it’s a good idea to include a source of lean protein, such as chicken, fish, or tofu, to help repair and build muscle.
A good pre-workout meal should be consumed about 2-3 hours before getting the weights sets out, or doing any form of exercise. If you don’t have time for a full meal, a piece of fruit such as an apple or banana and a handful of almonds can be a great option. These provide quick-digesting carbohydrates and healthy fats that will give you the energy you need to power through your workout.
After a workout, it’s crucial to replenish your body’s energy stores and repair damaged muscle tissue. A good post-workout meal should include a mix of carbohydrates and protein. Wholewheat bread or quinoa paired with grilled chicken or a hard-boiled egg is a great option. Other options include Greek yogurt with berries, a protein shake with fruit, or a turkey and avocado wrap.
It’s also important to rehydrate after a workout. Water is the best choice, but you can also opt for coconut water or a sports drink that contains electrolytes to help replace fluids lost during exercise.
In addition to the above, some other important things to keep in mind are:
· Eating a well-balanced diet is the key to maintaining a healthy body, and it is not limited to just pre or post-workout meals.
· The timing of your meals should be based on your workout schedule, and it’s important to experiment to find what works best for you.
· The type of exercise you will be doing also plays a role in your nutrition. Endurance athletes have different nutritional needs than strength athletes.
· Lastly, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your diet as needed. If you find that a certain food is making you feel sluggish or bloated, it’s best to avoid it before or after your workout.
In conclusion, eating the right foods before and after a workout can make a big difference in your performance and results. Nutrition is a crucial aspect of getting from lean to shredded. A well-designed nutrition plan should include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and be tailored to your individual needs and goals. A meal that includes complex carbohydrates and lean protein before a workout, and a mix of carbohydrates and protein after a workout, will help fuel your body and aid in recovery. Don’t forget to rehydrate after your workout, and always listen to your body and adjust your diet as needed.
These little changes will make a massive difference, and there are so many more you can make. Smoker? Switch to disposable vapes or vape liquids. Lots of sugary drinks? Switch to sugar free, or better yet water. Going to the shops? Walk instead of drive. All such small changes that will have huge upsides.
