We all know the importance of working out but working out regularly can also help your mental health, energy levels and even your skin. In order to get the full benefits working out regularly is key, but you have to pay attention to what you put into your body before your workout and after your workout. Most people don’t realize the foods that they put into their bodies can help maximize your performance, but other foods can slow you down and hinder your results. Exercise alone isn’t going to make you look and feel gorgeous — you need to pair your workout with healthy food choices.
Our bodies are just like the cars that we drive without proper fuel, you will not achieve maximum results. Eating the right foods before and after working out can give your body the energy it needs to perform at its highest level and support your fitness goals, whether it’s to tone up, strengthen or get some booty gains.
Here Are Tips to Help You Get Your Best Results Before Your Workout
1. Before a workout, it’s best to keep it simple and whole. You shouldn’t workout while your body is digesting food. So, planning what time you eat is so important. Our body uses energy to digest food, and we want to save all that energy for our workouts.
2. Depending on what and how much you eat you should eat 1 hour to 4 hours before working out. You will want to choose carbohydrates because they give you the best boost in energy before a workout. Carbohydrates are easier and faster to digest than foods high in protein and fat. Try to choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and brown rice, because they are the longest lasting and will give you the most energy. Sometimes I feel like I’m going to throw up when I’m working out so I have to lean more towards rice cakes, raisins, or applesauce because they digest more quickly. Avoid eating a heavy meal before working out. You should pass on fried foods, spicy foods or anything too fiber-heavy. Eating these types of foods before working out will reduce your energy level.
3. Fruits are also great because you can eat them and they will not make you feel weighed down. Fruits contains energy-boosting carbohydrates, and they are easy to digest. I personally love bananas, watermelon, and oranges
4. Nuts are great to eat before your workout because they are healthy fats. I like oranges with almonds. Unsalted nuts are the best but I haven’t reached that level yet…. I love my salted almonds. Combining healthy fats and carbohydrates will help keep you fueled during your workout.
5. Sugary foods such as energy bars or sports drinks you should avoid before you work out.
Below I have attached 1 of my favorite cookbooks. Let me know what you think and please share with me your favorite recipe!!