A lot of us think that we should not eat before or immediately after a workout. However, research shows that the body burns the same amount of fat whether or not you eat before exercising. To get the best out of a workout – from burning calories to building muscle- here’s a list of foods you should eat before and after your workout.
Before Your Workout
A good workout requires energy from your body, so the best pre-workout snack contains a combination of complex carbohydrate and protein.
Peanut Butter and Banana on Wholewheat Bread
High in fiber, healthy fats and protein, a peanut butter and banana sandwich will give you all the energy you need without weighing you down. If you require more intensity in your workout, bananas are perfect in raising potassium levels which often drops when you sweat a lot.
Yogurt with Fruit and Nuts
If you want to have an extremely light snack that’s refreshing and tasty, have a cup of yogurt with fruit and nuts. The sugars in dried fruits can keep your insulin levels stable so you don’t feel sluggish or tired while working out.
Smoothies
Before running over to the gym, stop by your favorite juice bar and get yourself a medium-sized serving of smoothie. Always include some carbohydrates like oatmeal, granola or bran to fuel your body up with enough energy before your workout.
After Your Workout
According to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Medicine, the best food to consume after exercise is a combination of protein with very little carbohydrate. Here’s what you can eat to help speed up the recovery of your muscles without making you gain all the calories you’ve worked so hard to get rid of.
Vegetable Omelette
Eggs are amazing sources of protein and they can help aid in muscle recovery and growth. Make yourself a veggie-packed omelette with sliced broccoli, shredded carrots, onions, and switch it up by adding in some bits of avocado.
Grilled Salmon and Sweet Potato
Apart from being a credible source of protein, salmon can also reduce inflammation in your body, while regulating insulin levels. It’s also rich in Omega-3 fats that replenishes your body inside and out. Sweet potatoes are packed in complex carbs, but it’s also rich in fiber too!
Beef Stew with Vegetables
Stew isn’t only the most easiest light meal to whip up in the kitchen, but it’s also a good way to enjoy a variety of vegetables all in one serving! Throw in some delicious chunks of beef to keep your iron levels in check, and avoid using any thickening agents like corn starch in your stew as it can dehydrate your body. Don’t forget to use have some potatoes to fill in for carbs.
