Eating Before Exercising

Wellness Wednesday~

February 15, 2012

Did you know what you eat before you exercise actually depends on when you exercise. You have to eat to nourish your body, which also provides you the energy you need to do your workout and to help you recover from it. I sometimes don’t want to eat anything before a workout thinking it will make me feel sick, instead I usually feel weak and cannot complete the routine with full steam.  Mayo clinic tries to clarify some questions and concerns on eating before exercise:

• You will want to eat a combination of low-glycemic carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread, some protein or vegetables if you exercise later in the morning or day.
• You may be a person who exercises in the morning 10 to 15 minutes after rising, chances are you don’t really need or feel like eating anything until you finish your workout.
• If your workout lasts less than 30 to 40 minutes, you may want to drink a few glasses water before your workout.
• You need to have some juice, a few pieces of fruit or bring some juice with you to drink during your workout if your workout lasts longer than 40 minutes.  
• If you are hungry an hour before your workout, have a small smoothie with protein, frozen fruit and yogurt, or fruit and nuts.

After a workout, your body is starving for nourishment, so kick-start the healing process and adaptation of muscle growth with fresh fruit with yogurt, or any light combination of protein and carbohydrates.

For more healthy tips, contact Nancy Larson @ my.healthiswealth@comcast.net