iCardioFiT: What is your Pre-Workout Meal?
iCardioFiT: What is your Pre-Workout Meal?
Are you one of those individuals that perform aerobic exercise and strength training anywhere from 35-50min a few days out of the week? If so, great job! The most important thing is to maintain proper nutrition! Having a solid healthy diet as your foundation with you exercise patterns will allow you sufficient energy, prevent fatigue, and optimize your performance with aerobic and training.
In one of my previous posts, I mentioned how important protein plays a role in building muscle. Carbohydrates are also important for immediate energy. There is so much information out there from personal trainers, exercise specialist, media, magazines, etc. that can be somewhat confusing to the novice person as to the best or most optimal nutritional choices pre-workout.
Oatmeal with Fruit
Like I always say to my clients and patients, everyone should be able to consume all the food groups (Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fruits, Dairy, Grains, Fats, etc) in order to accomplish their desired goal. Whether that is weight loss, weight maintenance, or weight gain, proper intake of the above macro nutrients in a BALANCED approach is most desirable. Some examples of a simple pre-exercise snack with plenty of water should fuel the body sufficiently. The best pre-workout meal is one that works best for the individual and one that is not digested too rapidly.
Here are a few options:
▪ A banana with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
▪ Low-fat yogurt and a piece of fruit
▪ Oatmeal made with skim milk and fruit
▪ Trail mix with nuts and fruit
▪ Granola with low-fat milk and fruit
▪ A smoothie made with low-fat yogurt, fresh fruit, and wheat germ or flax meal
Sip water throughout the activity and after exercise is completed. (Very important not to stay Hydrated!)
iCardioFiT Tips for Pre-Workouts:
Choose high-carbohydrate, low-fat foods—whole-grain, high-fiber foods, consumed 1 hour prior to exercise, are ideal; some examples can include: Breads (whole wheat/whole grain), Oatmeal, Yogurts, as well as Pastas (Whole wheat/Whole grain). Special note: Your pre-workout meal should take into consideration the type of activity as well as the activity’s intensity and duration into account.
Lean Protein with Complex Carbohydrates
It’s best to avoid food products that do not agree with your stomach during exercise activity. You will most likely know what those are based on your experiences. You definitely want to avoid food products high in fat protein (burgers, fried meats, etc.) The fatty foods tend to stay in the stomach longer and can make you feel sluggish. High quality, low in sugar energy bars and protein shakes are some alternatives that can be utilized as your pre-workout meal. To assist the digestion process, the importance of water comes back into play!
GeT FiT and Stay FiT with iCardioFiT! …
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The Clinical Exercise Physiologist
[Contact: Reggie Laroche — relaroche@yahoo.com — 954-205-9904 for Personal Training, Exercise and Nutrition consultations!!!!]
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