The best foods to eat before and after a workout are often very different from the types of foods you would eat during the day. Before an exercise session, your body is usually very tired and in need of some nourishment. The best foods to eat before a workout are something to help energize and re-energize the body. The best foods to consume immediately following a strenuous workout are also very good for revitalizing the body. Here are four pre-workout foods to eat to promote faster and more intense fitness:
Pre-Workout Snacks - The best pre-workout meal to have before hitting the gym is a simple carbohydrates snack. Workout food can be just as important as the post-workout meal, if not more. Pre-workout meals provide the body with the energy it needs to continue through the workout. Simple carbohydrates such as glucose, fructose, glucose, and dextrose are good choices for providing the body with the energy it needs. In fact, consuming them after an intense workout session is very important to allow the muscles to heal themselves after such a draining event.
Post Workout Snacks - The best kinds of foods to have right after a strenuous workout are those that don't contain any calories. You want to consume foods that are high in protein, which will boost your body's ability to repair itself. Snacks can be anything but should be kept to a minimum after working out because it's harder for the body to digest protein after working out. Consuming simple carbohydrates will provide your muscles with the energy they will need to repair themselves.
Pre-Workout Energy Drinks - If you're going to be exercising for an extended period of time, then the best fuel to take is an energy drink. While you might think that oatmeal would be a good choice for an energy drink, recent studies have shown that drinking oatmeal too often can raise the risk of clogged arteries. In order to get the full effects of the oats, drink two or three glasses after working out. Some people prefer to take an energy drink with breakfast then eats an oatmeal meal for their mid-morning meal.
Post Workout Snacks - Most professional athletes eat a post-workout snack consisting of lean proteins, a small number of complex carbohydrates, and one piece of fruit. This will give them the energy they need for their second half of the day, as well as help them feel less sluggish during the final few hours of exercising. Since carbohydrates are not processed by the body, they cause you to feel fuller for a longer period of time. A great source of protein is fish. They are low in fat and contain essential fatty acids that aid in muscle recovery.
Pre-Workout Snacks - All athletes need to eat snacks before and after working out. Carbs before and after a workout provide fuel for your muscles and supply energy. You can satisfy your sweet potato craving before your workout with a delicious baked sweet potato. You can also have pre-workout eggs, bagels, or oatmeal. Pre-workout snacks will keep you energized all day long.
Post Workout Foods - Avoid food that contains large amounts of sugar while you are recovering from your last exercise. You will also want to stay away from simple carbs after your session. Your body still needs the proper nutrients for muscle recovery and building. A healthy choice to satisfy that craving would be a piece of fruit with low-fat dressing. A protein shake made of whey protein and fresh juice is also a great choice to satisfy that sweet potato craving or for post-workout nutrition. When you get home from your exercise session, make sure you snack on healthy fruits to replenish those nutrients that were lost during your intense workout.
Don't let pre-workout tempts keep you from eating healthy when you are trying to lose weight and gain muscle. Pre-workout foods are meant to provide fuel for your exercise session and provide nutrients for recovery. If you choose to eat something other than healthy foods while you are working out, you will only be giving your body the chance to use up the vitamins and nutrients you gave it. Instead of snacking on something unhealthy, make sure you eat something nutritious so you can feel better and recover properly after your intense cardio workout.
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