Get Back In Shape: 5 Food Tips That’ll Power-Up Your Workouts

Get Back In Shape: 5 Food Tips That’ll Power-Up Your Workouts - Did you know when and what you eat can have an impact on your workout? Eating and exercise are closely connected.

According to Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine specialist Dr John M. Murphy in the US, you can maximise the effectiveness of your workouts through these tips.

Eat a healthy breakfast

If you exercise in the morning, get up early enough to finish breakfast at least one hour before your workout.

This will give you energy and raise your blood sugar. If you don’t eat, you might feel sluggish or light-headed when you exercise.

Good breakfast options include wholegrain cereals or bread, bananas and yoghurt. A cup of coffee is also fine. Emphasise carbohydrates for maximum energy.

Size matters

You want to be careful not to overeat before exercise.

Eat large meals at least three to four hours before exercising. Small meals should be eaten two to three hours before exercising. You can have small snacks an hour before exercising.

Eating too much can leave you sluggish, and eating too little may not give you the energy to stay strong during your workout.

Snack well

Most people can eat small snacks right before and during exercise.

It’s important to do what feels best for you. Snacks shortly before exercising probably won’t give you an energy boost, but they can help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent distracting hunger pains.

Good snack options include energy bars, yoghurt, low-fat granola bars and peanut butter sandwiches.

Eat after you exercise

Eating after you exercise will help your muscles recover.

image: http://www1.star2.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/sfit_fitworkout2201_py_4.jpg

You need adequate fluids before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. — TNS

You need adequate fluids before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. Photo: TNS

If possible, within two hours, you’ll want to eat a meal that contains protein and carbohydrates.

Good post-workout food choices include yoghurt and fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, pasta with meatballs, and chicken with brown rice.

Drink up

Remember to drink fluids. You need fluids before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends you drink two to three cups of water before your workout, half to one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout, and two to three cups after your workout for every pound of weight you lose during the workout.

“The duration and intensity of your workout will determine how often and what you should eat and drink,” says Dr Murphy.

“Pay attention to how you feel during your workout, as well as your overall performance. Let your body guide you on which eating habits work best for you.”