But Why?
Our bodies rely on glycogen, a stored form of carbohydrates, for sustained energy. During long workouts, these reserves get depleted, leading to a noticeable drop in performance. Pre-workout nutrition provides your body with the carbohydrates it needs to keep firing on all cylinders!
Skipping pre-workout fuel has no positives. You might experience fatigue much earlier, hindering your ability to push through the entire workout, as your body starts breaking down muscle tissue for energy. This not only hinders performance but also delays recovery and increases the risk of injury. By strategically fueling your body beforehand, you are better prepared for an optimal performance.
i) Sustained Energy
Consuming the right balance of carbohydrates and proteins before a workout can provide a slow-release energy source that helps maintain blood sugar levels, preventing energy dips and ensuring endurance throughout longer exercise sessions.
ii) Enhanced Performance
Eating the right nutrients before working out is correlated with your ability to perform exercises at higher intensities or for extended periods.
This can lead to better strength gains, endurance, and overall fitness outcomes.
iii) Cognitive Clarity & Focus
Sufficient nutrition supports the body but also awakens the brain.
During exercise, maintaining cognitive function is necessary for focus, coordination, and motivation, which is fueled through eating properly before.
Eat Lightly & Don’t Stuff Yourself
Choosing the right thing to eat before working out meal is essential. It should be a blend of carbohydrates for quick energy and proteins for muscle support and recovery. These are my favorite snacks, especially if I’m going outside for cardio.
- Greek yogurt with mixed berries for a small snack
- A whole-grain toast with avocado and a side of eggs (if you want protein)
- Oatmeal topped with sliced almonds and honey for a small snack
The Best Time To Eat
We all know that the timing of your pre-workout meal can significantly affect how you feel and perform during exercise.
Generally, eating a complete meal 2-3 hours before your workout or a small snack 30 minutes to an hour before can raise your energy levels without causing digestive discomfort.
This erases feeling “bloated” or getting stomach cramps, which typically occur during running.
On the other hand, feel free to eat your post workout meal or snack whenever you finish exercising!
Listen To Your Body
Everyone is different! That’s why we have to listen to our bodies and adjust our pre-workout nutrition based on personal experience.
The same rule applies to you when working out; listen to your body and don’t try and lift weights that are out of your comfort zone. Here are exercises which support your body type.
* What works for one individual may not work for another.
* Pay attention to how different foods and timings affect your energy, performance, and overall feeling during workouts.
Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Do you have any personal experiences or questions about pre-workout meals and how they affect your workout routine?
Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below.
I’m here to support you!
