Eating before working out is an important part of getting the most from your workout. You need to give your body fuel so that it can use what you are doing in the gym to make those muscles stronger, and not just break down muscle tissue. What you eat will also have a big impact on how well you feel after a workout as well.
This article talks about what foods are best for pre-workout meals and snacks, as well as some helpful tips for eating healthy while training!
Eating Carbohydrates Before Workout
The main purpose of carbohydrates is for fuel. Your muscles are made of protein and your brain is made up primarily of fats. Carbohydrates make the process work smoothly because they can be converted to glucose, which fuels our cells.
Know the different types of carbohydrates and how it affects you is important. Read about the different types of carbs and their importance.
Fueling for Exercise
Our body uses different types of energy systems, depending on the intensity and duration of our activity.
A small snack before exercise can help with energy levels. The snack should be relatively high in carbohydrates to maximize your blood glucose availability.
It’s important to know that the longer the duration of the exercise is, the more carbohydrates should be consumed. According to ADA, it is recommended to consume 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour of your training session.
For example, if you’re workout takes approximately 2 hours then consuming 60-120 grams of carbs is recommended.
The best thing to eat before a workout
Many people prefer to eat granola bars, bananas, and other fruits before a workout session. Try to steer away from eating food with relatively low fat and fiber to lessen the chance of having stomach ache.
The last thing you want is an upset stomach before a workout session.
Keep your muscles strong and feeling good by eating a healthy meal beforehand. You don’t need to eat something heavy, just make sure you’ve given your body what it needs before hitting the gym.
If you’re not hungry when you arrive at the gym or if there isn’t time for a pre-workout snack, try drinking some liquid calories like Gatorade or coconut water. This will give you energy without any caffeine jitters!
