Eating Before and After Working Out

Dear Reader,

Last week I started out doing a brief introduction about starting my own personal journey to a healthier life. However, this week I would like to focus on what to eat before and after working out. Also, I would like to focus on working out with an empty stomach.

Some people may think that starving themselves will help them lose weight especially when it comes to working out. However, that is not true at all!  Starving yourself will make your body absorb the fats from the food you eat and store it as energy. When it comes to working out on an empty stomach, do not do extreme exercises! Although, if you drink a glass of water before going out for a short walk or jog, then you will be okay. Just do not over do it!

When it comes to working out, people think they can eat whatever they please before. The only thought that runs through their head is “Well, I am going to work all of this off”. Sadly, as lovely as that would seem, that is not the best thing you could do before going to work out. Before working out try to focus on these five keys when it comes to eating:

• Foods with a low fat content
• Moderate in both carbs and protein
• Foods that are low in fiber
• Includes fluids
• Made up of foods that you tolerate well

With that being said, stay away from fried and greasy foods, as well as soft drinks such as pop. Also, drink about two to three cups of water about two hours before exercising. This will help keep you hydrated

After working out, it will be good if you eat some protein. Eating protein after working out will help your muscles recover and grow after working out. You can eat a hard boiled egg, drink a glass of chocolate milk, or any other source of food or fluids with protein. However, do not over do the protein your muscles only need about 10-20 grams of protein.

The absolute best thing you could possibly do is eat before working out, something light of course. Also, drink plenty of water before,during,and after working out this will keep you hydrated. When it comes to protein, just remember to not eat it before working out, but after. The protein that you eat will help your muscles grow.