February 20, 2013 by Sarah
Filed under Trainer on the Run
A Pre-workout meal needs to fuel the muscles for the upcoming activity.This meal is largely dependent upon the time of the day that you work out.
When:
AM Workout:liquid meal is often the best option as you won’t have a lot of time to digest the food before you hit the gym. Another is a piece of fruit or some bread and jam or peanut butter.
Afternoon/Evening workout: You can follow the same guide as the am workout, taking in this snack 15-20 minutes before your workout. Or, since you have more time to play with, a true meal 60-90 min before the workout is sufficient.
What: a carb/protein balance for energy. Nothing high in fat as it will likely make you feel too full.
Post workout fuel is important!
The post-workout meal serves to replenish muscular glycogen stores as well as to help provide the amino acids your muscles need to repair and rebuild themselves after being broken down through strength training activities. This meal will actually help your body burn more calories as it keeps your metabolism at peak performance. Your body burns more knowing it is not going into starvation mode.
When:try and consume this meal as soon as possible after your workout as there is a critical window of opportunity when the muscles are more receptive to taking in the nutrients.
What: Don’t skimp on carbs during this meal! If you fear carbs, you can rest assured that eating them immediately after a workout is the one time of the day when they will not be stored as body fat. You also need to eat a carb that will release into the bloodstream quickly like a piece of fruit. Here is a great idea for a quick snack.
Apple and Nut Butter Sandwiches
A great post-workout snacks is to smear almond butter on an apple — it’s the perfect combination of protein and fiber. Make the snack a little classier by cutting the apples into rings and using them as "bread" in a fruit and nut butter sandwich.
Enjoy!
Be healthy. Be happy. No excuses. www.janaheath.com
http://janaheathfitness.wordpress.com/
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world”
I am a busy mom of three amazing girls and wife to an even busier husband. When I am not teaching or driving the mini-van, you will find me in the kitchen cooking, meal planning, and of course blogging about maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a busy family schedule.
This post reminded me that I haven’t had a banana in a loooong time! I need some potassium in my life, lol!
Those apples & PB were delish
That Waz So Gud :p lmao