What to Eat Pre- and Post-Workout
Working out on an empty stomach is rarely a good idea because you need to make sure you have enough fuel to get through your workout. Being mindful of your food choices before and after your workout can help you get the most out of your efforts. Eating certain types of foods before and after your workout can provide your body with the energy it needs to perform at its best and also recover properly.
Use this guide for eating right before and after your workout:
Healthy pre-workout snack ideas
A pre-workout snack is your best bet for fueling your body, no matter what time of day you plan to workout. Working out after a big meal can compromise your performance and even make you feel nauseous because your body is trying to digest all that food. Eating a snack of healthy carbs and lean protein about an hour before your workout will provide plenty of energy for you to push through that routine without hunger pangs.
Here are some healthy pre-workout snack ideas:
– Yogurt with fruit – 1 cup of Greek yogurt with ¼ cup blueberries is a filling and satisfying snack before any workout.
– Apple with peanut butter – the perfect way to take care of sweet and salty cravings; ½ of an apple with ½ tablespoon of reduced-fat peanut butter and 1 light string cheese is a healthy and satisfying pre-workout snack.
– Oats with eggs – if you want a breakfast before a morning workout, try having 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal with egg whites or a whole egg.
Post-workout meal ideas
It’s important to pay attention to what you eat within an hour of your workout because your body is more likely to absorb more nutrients during the recovery period. This is why drinking a protein shake right after a workout is a great idea. You will need protein in your system to help promote muscle repair and recovery.
Some post-workout meal ideas include:
– Protein shake – a protein shake with carbs makes a complete meal that your body can use for energy fairly easily after a workout. Look for something that contains almost equal amounts of protein and carbs.
– Grilled chicken breast salad – a perfect lunch option after a morning workout session, grilled chicken breast is packed with protein and you can enjoy it with some healthy carbs like brown rice or sweet potato for a full recovery meal.
