Fueling Your Workout
When it comes to working out, the saying "food is fuel" is so true.
However, recently, intermittent fasting and the concept of "fasted workouts" have become mainstream. I have come across lots of people (and trainers) who only work out first thing in the morning, with NO food in their system.
Honestly, this is personal preference, and I say the same thing to my clients. If you eat a big dinner the night before, you’ll likely have some energy stored to have a good morning workout! I totally understand that not everyone is a morning person and that not everyone wants to eat first thing in the morning. Sometimes, I'm not ready myself!
If you’re like me, and know that your body needs a lil’ something before a morning workout, then this should be helpful. I definitely believe there are more benefits to being properly fueled before a workout.
So, as long as you have an appetite, make sure to eat before the gym! Here's a little guidance on when you should eat and what you should eat, if you want to get the MOST out of your workout:
⏰ When should you eat?
If you work out in the early morning: Your body hasn’t consumed any calories (aka energy) in a while, so it needs something to get it started. Eat a small snack 30 minutes before working out.
If you work out after dinner: Give your system to digest a bigger meal. Let your body rest 1.5-2 hours before hitting the gym.
If you work out midday: Make sure to snack 30-60 minutes before the start of a workout to have the energy you need.
🍽️ What should you eat?
If you are eating 30-60 minutes before working out: Eat a high carb, moderate protein, and low-fat snack.
If you are eating 2-3 hours before: It is recommended that you eat a high carbohydrate, high protein, low-fat meal.
✔️ Examples of pre-workout snacks & meals:
0% fat Greek yogurt with berries and granola
Whole grain toast and a hard-boiled egg
Oatmeal with protein powder and fruit
Banana with 1 tbsp peanut butter
Yogurt-based smoothies
Turkey sandwich
By eating the right foods at the right time before a workout, you can help your body out by giving it the energy it needs to perform at its best, and you can help it recover!
Try out some of these snack and meal ideas before your next training session!
