When one exercises, they need to be sure of some things, like having a proper diet. Why? Because just like a car needs fuel to work, your body needs it too. That entails supplying your body with the appropriate energy by consuming the best food for exercise at the correct times.
Research has shown that a proper workout diet should be planned before, during, and after exercising. This helps one maintain the blood glucose concentration, increase your body’s performance, and progress recovery time. Before exercising, one should be well-hydrated and consume enough fluids both before and after exercise to make up for fluid losses.
There are no strict guidelines or requirements that you must follow while planning a diet plan for a workout. However, one must follow certain workout meals to perform better and not cause any problems.
Pre-workout Food
Would you ever try to drive your car empty? No, right? Then why would you ever think of doing the same with your body? Not having a pre workout meal simply means that you won’t have enough stamina to get the most out of your fitness regime, and it would also limit your capacity to burn calories.
One must have their pre workout meal two hours before they start with their exercising. And the best pre workout meal should include:
Drinking a lot of water
Eating a workout diet that is rich in healthy carbohydrates. Like, whole grain pasta, brown rice, fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals (with skim or low-fat milk), whole-wheat toast, low-fat or fat-free yogurt, and so on.
Steering clear of saturated fats or some very healthy protein-rich foods because they cause your stomach to digest food more slowly, depriving your muscles of oxygen and blood that supplies energy.
Workout diet while exercising
Keep your body hydrated with little, frequent sips of glucose water, whether you’re a professional who trains for several hours or just starting your fitness journey.
It is said that one must not have any food during working out. But, if you’re working for long hours or it is advised to consume 50–100 calories of carbs, such as low-fat yogurt, raisins, or bananas, every half-hour.
Post-workout meal
The best post workout meals should include the following things:
A lot of water. Yes, you heard it right. Orange juice, which contains fluids and carbohydrates, is a 100% juice that you may blend with water.
When you work out, you burn a lot of carbs, which are your muscles’ primary fuel source. Your muscles can store carbohydrates and protein for energy use and aid in recovery in the 20–60 minutes following your workout. And this is one of the most important post-workout meals.
Also include proteins in your diet, like dal, cottage cheese, grilled chicken steak, etc. These post workout foods help repair your muscles.
How can one overcome obstacles to eating the best food for exercising?
When you don’t have the time to prepare meals or have a limited budget, eating healthy foods may seem like a big task. To overcome obstacles that can prevent you from eating the best food for exercising, try these suggestions.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time to eat healthily. You also don’t need to be a chef to make nutritious meals for your gym diet. The following suggestions will help you and your family eat healthier without having to spend a lot of time cooking:
One can buy frozen or pre-cut vegetables and add them to a salad or a veggie wrap with pita bread. Or you may microwave the vegetables and try adding them to whole-wheat spaghetti. It isn’t just the best post workout meal, but it is damn tasty too.
Make enough food when you cook to have leftovers. You may not need to prepare a different meal every day if you make casseroles with vegetables, healthful grains, and a cooked chicken that can keep for a few days. To keep leftovers safe to eat, be sure to freeze or refrigerate them as soon as possible.
Try something simple, like combining your favourite fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables to make a stir-fry if you don’t feel comfortable cooking.
Refrain from purchasing single servings of snacks, yoghurt, and other items, as they are more expensive. Purchase larger or in bulk instead, then divide into smaller parts as necessary.
Purchase seasonal fruits and veggies to save money.
Try canned beans like pinto, butter, kidney, and black beans. They offer protein to your meals quickly and easily and are less expensive than meat and fish.
If you’re still confused about your gym diet or what to have as pre workout meal/ post workout meal, then we at FITPASS have your back. With FITFEAST, you can get in touch with our expert nutritionists to know the best food for exercising. We can aid you with daily and workout diet plans to help you stay healthy and fit. Schedule a call today!
