Eating the right foods before and after exercise can have a big impact on how you feel during your workout. Our bodies need nutrients before, during, and after exercise to help us perform our best. A nutritionist can help you make an eating plan to help you reach your exercise goals.
Before: The foods you eat before your workout give your body the strength it needs to exercise.
- Eat a balanced meal 2-3 hours before your workout, or a carb-packed snack, like 1/2 PBJ sandwich, 1-2 hours before your workout.
During:
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
- If you are lifting weights or exercising lightly, you do not need to eat during your workout.
- If you are running, swimming, or biking for more than an hour, you can eat a small, carb-packed snack, like a handful of pretzels or a large banana, after 30 minutes to keep your strength up.
After: The foods you eat after your workout give your body what it needs to heal from exercise.
- Eat a balanced meal or protein-packed snack, like Greek yogurt with granola and berries, within 2 hours of ending your workout.
- Keep drinking water to keep yourself hydrated.
Try to make energy bites, they are a great carb-packed snack to eat before your workout. To make these a protein-packed snack, add your favorite protein powder!