Many people meet a challenge in achieving their best shaper. There are women who want to lose a few pounds after giving birth or just want to look sexier. We all know that this requires daily effort. Going to the gym or participating in group training is a great way to be in shape, but many girls underestimate the meaning of the proper diet.
Healthy nutrition plays a pivotal role in a woman’s fitness journey. Just a few people know that what you eat before and after your workouts can significantly impact your energy levels, performance, and recovery, regardless of whether you are an avid athlete or just starting out.
In this article, we are going to discuss what is appropriate to eat before and after the gym if you want to support your active life for the best results. In the following paragraphs, you will find practical tips on making the most of your meals to maximize your fitness goals. Ready to learn more? Keep reading and follow our recommendations about healthy pre and post-workout meals.
Pre-Workout Nutrition: What to eat before training
In order to perform an intense workout that will load the whole body and get rid of excess fat, you need a lot of energy to put into the gym. Physical energy and endurance are must-haves for impressive training results.
We all know that’s your goal, so we’re giving you a list of the best foods that give you energy. Incorporate them into your pre-workout menu and you’ll soon feel the rush of more energy to put into more intense workouts.
The power of carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of energy. You can supply your body with a significant amount of carbohydrates by consuming complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables before your workout.
Add to your pre-workout meal oatmeal, sweet potatoes, or a banana, and eat them 1-2 before your training session. By the time it is time for exercise, the body will have processed the nutrients from these foods and replenished itself with the energy supplied bythe carbohydrates.
Protein for muscle support
Proteins are also known as the building blocks of our cells and muscles and their daily intake through food or supplements is recommended regardless of gender, age and lifestyle. If you are looking for an effect to build muscle mass, then the more protein you take, the better.
These are the 10 foods with the highest protein content:
- Chicken breasts;
- Salmon;
- Cheese;
- Pumpkin seed
- Shrimp;
- Soybeans;
- Almonds;
- Tuna;
- Eggs;
- White beans.
By adding the foods listed above to the menu, we can modify it to make it even more beneficial for us and our goals. Aim to include protein 30-60 minutes before your workout.
You should watch your portion sizes during your workout to avoid feeling sluggish or bloated. When you consume too much protein, blood flow can be diverted to your digestive system, causing discomfort.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for our health and has such a big impact on the energy levels in the body. Start your workout well-hydrated by sipping on water throughout the day and consider a small glass of water 30 minutes before exercising.
Post-workout nutrition: What and when we can eat after a workout
You’ve just finished a challenging workout, and your body is in need of replenishment. Post-workout meal is a great way to help your body to calm and recharge with energy after hard training. Here is what you can eat after a workout. It’s also very important to follow the timing recommendations.
Healthy fats
Add to your post-workout meal food products that are rich in healthy fats. Avocados, nuts, and olive oil are great examples of healthy fats that you can add to your menu to support overall body recovery.
Go for proteins again
We’ve already explained how important protein is for building muscle. During training, it is possible to overload muscle tissues to an extreme degree, which can have the opposite of the desired effect.
Including up to 15-25 grams of protein in your post-workout menu is recommended. This can be pure chicken, eggs or fish.
Recharge your energy with a taste smoothie
There are many recipes for tasty smoothies that will help you refresh after a workout. Choose your favorite fruits, add milk and protein powder, and mix all the ingredients. The result is a delicious snack in a cup which will give you the energy to finish your day.
We recommend you follow the anabolic window. This is the period of prime nutrient absorption where your body is primed for nutrient uptake. If you want to maximize the benefits of exercise, eat within 30 minutes to two hours after exercising.