Q&A
Food To Fuel Your Workout
Question:
What should I eat before my workout to boost my performance?
If you're an early-morning exerciser, or it's been more than three hours since your last meal and you're looking for a little energy boost, make that something light, and high in complex carbohydrates. That's because complex carbs are absorbed by your body in a time-released manner to provide continuous fuel throughout a workout.
Good choices are snacks such as a cup of dry cereal, half a turkey sandwich or an energy bar.
An equally important consideration is digestion time: The less time until the workout, the less you should eat. If you're hitting the gym right after your breakfast, it makes sense to keep your pre-workout snack really light. On the other hand, if you're working out in the middle of the afternoon a couple of hours after your lunch, opt for a balanced meal to fuel your workout.
Remember, though, that what you eat after the workout is even more important than what you eat before it. That's when your fatigued muscles take up nutrients most effectively. Try to have a full meal within an hour that combines protein, carbs (both simple and complex) and healthy fat. And rehydrate with non-caffeinated beverages.
