Fuel Your Workout
Get ready to supercharge your exercise game by tuning into what and when you eat. Whether you're casually breaking a sweat or prepping for a fitness showdown, these tips will help you turn up the heat on your workout.
Rise and Shine.
If you're an early bird exerciser, set your alarm a tad earlier to squeeze in a power-packed breakfast an hour before your workout. Why? Because gobbling some carbs before breaking a sweat can turbocharge your performance, letting you go the distance and push harder. Skipping breakfast? Well, that might lead to feeling sluggish or lightheaded. For those workouts an hour post-breakfast, keep it light and carb-rich:
Whole-grain cereals or breads
Low-fat milk
Juice
A banana
Yogurt
Portion Patrol.
Be careful not to eat too much before you exercise. If you have a large meal, wait at least 3 to 4 hours before kicking off your work out.
Snack Attack.
Think it's a no-no to nibble before or during exercise? Think again! It’s okay to eat a small snack right before or during exercise. Listen to your body and find your snack groove. Grab-and-go snack ideas:
Energy bar
Banana, apple, or other fresh fruit
Yogurt
Fruit smoothie
Whole-grain bagel or crackers
Low-fat granola bar
Peanut butter (or other nut butter) sandwich
Sports drink or diluted juice
Refuel to Recover.
Within two hours of working out, your body deserves a round of applause in the form of a meal that's both carb and protein-packed. Can’t swing a full meal? Snacks to the rescue! Here are some great choices:
Yogurt and fruit
Peanut butter (or other nut butter) sandwich
Low-fat chocolate milk and pretzels
Post-workout recovery smoothie
Whole-grain bagel or crackers
Turkey on whole-grain bread with vegetables
Quench Your Thirst.
Hydration is key before, during, and after working out. Here’s a drinking guide:
About 2-3 cups of water during the 2-3 hours before you exercise
½ to 1 cup of water every 15-20 minutes during your workout. Adjust amounts related to your body size and the weather
Low-fat chocolate milk and pretzels
Post-workout recovery smoothie
Plenty of water after you’re done exercising
Water is generally the best way to replace lost fluids. If you’re exercising for more than an hour, consider having a sports drink.
Trust Your Instincts.
Let experience be your guide. Everyone – and every workout – is different. Your energy needs for a breezy 15-minute stroll versus a heart-pounding 45-minute spin session? They dance to a different tune. So, tap into your workout wisdom, maybe jot it all down in a journal, and master the art of fueling your fitness.
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