Want to get the most out of your workout? Fuel your body before and after exercising for optimum results.
Snack right
US fitness guru and celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler says when exercising, it's important to fuel your body beforehand, so you don't become sluggish, and afterwards, so you replenish lost energy.
Good food choices
Give your workout a boost by eating high-carbohydrate, low-fat snacks before hitting the gym. Here are some good choices:
- Banana with yoghurt,
- Wholewheat toasted bagel with fruit spread, or
- Bowl of instant porridge.
Time to digest
After eating, remember it's important to allow time for your food to digest. The amount of time this takes will vary depending on the size of the meal. Bear in mind that larger meals can take as long as five or six hours to digest and empty the stomach, whereas with a smaller snack you can be ready to go in as little as an hour.
Refuel you body
It's also important to refuel your body after your workout. Kaehler suggests a carbohydrate-protein blend. Here are some good choices:
- Peanut butter sandwich,
- Small handful of walnuts or almonds, or
- Fruit smoothie with protein powder.
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