What to Eat Before and After a Workout

Feeling guilty, we'll hit the gym after eating that Big Mac and fries, or power through our workout with the thought of that doughnut waiting for us afterwards. Though our taste buds might thank us for the treat, our body won't. Exercise and a healthy diet go hand-in-hand when it comes to staying fit and losing weight. Nora Tobin from Shape Magazine points out that eating the right foods before and after exercising is essential for us to get the most out of our workout.

During a workout, our body will burn the same amount of fat whether or not we eat prior to exercising. Sounds like food before exercising isn't that important... but there's a catch. Our body needs fuel to power through a workout. Without food, our body has to draw protein which fuels our exercise from some not so great places: our muscles. By losing muscle mass, we will eventually slow our metabolism, which helps burn off those extra pounds, making it that much harder to lose weight.

Tobin suggests eating foods with a complex carbohydrate and a protein. A banana with almond butter, oatmeal with berries, apples and walnuts, muti-grain crackers and hummus or a sweet potato are some healthy and easy snack ideas before hitting the gym.

After working out, our bodies have used up a lot of glycogen found in our muscles for energy to help us push through our workout. By eating or drinking something that provides carbohydrates and protein, our body can re-stock our muscles with glycogen, repair and build our tired muscles and keep our metabolism burning strong. Refueling our body 30 minutes to an hour after exercising allows our body to work even more effectively.

Salad with roasted chickpeas, steamed or sautéed veggies or multi-grain bread with peanut butter are some great ways of replenishing your body after a hard workout. Tobin also mentions a bean burrito with brown rice, guacamole and salsa, a protein smoothie or a quinoa bowl with nuts and berries as healthy ideas for your body as well.

I can say from personal experience that eating right before and after exercising is so important. You feel more energized and prepared going in to and during a hard workout and rewarding your body afterwards with a healthy snack feels great too! Giving  your body the nourishment it needs before and after a good workout forms good habits and gives your body the care and thanks it deserves.