When it comes to health, there’s so much emphasis put on working out that it’s easy to forget that what you do when you’re not exercising might actually be more important. Follow these tips:
Eat at least 30 minutes before exercise.
Many gym-goers need a little pre-workout bite to feel energized and avoid things like dizziness. “It’s best to aim to have your snack at least 30 minutes before your workout to help top off energy stores for the upcoming activity,” says Cara Harbstreet, M.S., RD, LD, of Street Smart Nutrition in Kansas City.
Eat a snack, not a meal.
“When you’re eating before a workout, the goal should be a fist-size, not a plate-size, portion to decrease gut distress,” says nutritionist Leslie J. Bonci, M.P.H., RD, CSSD, LDN.
Eat for the workout you’re doing.
“For HIIT-type workouts, your pre-workout fuel should be more carb-focused,” says Bonci. “If you’re strength training, ideally you would have some protein not just after your workout, but also before.”
The best pre-workout snack options
1/4 cup dried mango slices and raw almonds
“A handful of dried fruit and mixed nuts helps provide long-lasting fuel for running or hiking. Just be sure to keep the serving to around a quarter-cup and aim to have it about an hour ahead of time,” says Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, a nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices in Denver.
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