Tips on what to eat before and after exercise

Health Desk

It is never late in life to begin exercising. If you have been planning on a new fitness plan, then there a number of things you must keep in mind, chiefly food. You ought to know the best food to opt for, which will fuel your workout and help you get the most out of it afterwards.

Dalton Wong, trainer to Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence, founder of TwentyTwo Training and co-author of The Feel Good Plan, gives tips on what to eat before and after working out, and what foods will keep you going when on the go.

What you eat before a workout depends on your own body and how you digest things. It’s very personal, you have to gauge what works best for you. For some, liquid is great, for example a smoothie, but for others this will be jiggling around in their stomach! It also depends on your workout, for example, weights versus running. Running will only make something liquid jiggle more! So try out different things and see what works for you.

Also a caffeine hit is great to have before a workout to get you ready for it and increase mental alertness. Try a shot of espresso, or, if you’re not a coffee drinker, go for a green tea.

And what about refueling after a workout?

Whatever you choose it has to enhance your physical routine and nourish you with good nutrients. A combination of protein to repair, fat to help you feel full and carb to fuel the body is perfect after a workout. If you can, a protein smoothie is great, or a proper meal between 1 hour to 90 minutes after your workout, will help replenish you.

What are some post-workout or on-the-go snacks you like to have on hand?

Nuts, seeds, and/or an apple are all good snacks to have in your gym bag until you can get home to cook. But avoid any packaged bars—it’s much better to eat real food.