A sassy reader asked me a great question and I think it's an important one so I'm sharing with you. If you have a question email me: thesassygirlblog@gmail.com or tweet me @sassygirlfit
Her question:
Should I eat before or after my workout and if so what do I eat?
Sarah G
Boulder, CO
Before I even begin to answer this question know that the duration and intensity of your activity will dictate how often and what you should eat and drink. An example would be a marathon runner needs more energy from food than someone who exercises by walking a few miles. No matter what activity you like to do I suggest paying attention to your meals. It'll make your workouts sassier.
The answer: You should eat both before and after exercise! Annoying answer right? Let me explain. When you eat before exercise, you're giving your body immediate energy to use. (No I don't mean a huge 4 course meal) Have something light like a flax seed whole wheat bagel with a chicken breast (white meat with no skin and stay away from cold cuts ). If you don't eat properly before hand, your body will start to take the fat from your internal organs (instead of the areas you are looking to lean out). If you have been weight lifting you need protein and stay light on carb consumption.
As a rule you are supposed to eat AFTER exercising, as your metabolic rate has increased and will use all the energy and fats from your food immediately. Lots of protein, green veggies, etc. Salads are wonderful to eat after exercising and not heavy on the stomach.
Always Eat a healthy breakfast
Do Not skip out on this meal. A breakfast does NOT consist of only coffee. A cup is fine in addition to something else. I realize that you might not be hungry right away but know that most of the energy you got from dinner the previous night is used up by morning, and your blood sugar may be low. If you don't eat, you may feel sluggish or lightheaded. Try a sports drink if you aren't a morning eater. If you are a morning exerciser eat about an hour before you workout. A lighter breakfast is a good option to raise your blood sugar. Emphasize carbohydrates for maximum energy.
Good breakfast options include:
Whole-grain cereals or bread
Low-fat milk
Juice
Bananas
Snack Smart
How do you feel? What works best for your BFF might not work for you. Listen to your body. Snacks eaten soon before exercise can help keep up your blood sugar. Good snack options include:
Energy bars or drinks
Bananas or other fresh fruit
Yogurt
Fruit smoothies
Whole-grain bagel or crackers with peanut butter
Granola bars
Her question:
Should I eat before or after my workout and if so what do I eat?
Sarah G
Boulder, CO
Before I even begin to answer this question know that the duration and intensity of your activity will dictate how often and what you should eat and drink. An example would be a marathon runner needs more energy from food than someone who exercises by walking a few miles. No matter what activity you like to do I suggest paying attention to your meals. It'll make your workouts sassier.
The answer: You should eat both before and after exercise! Annoying answer right? Let me explain. When you eat before exercise, you're giving your body immediate energy to use. (No I don't mean a huge 4 course meal) Have something light like a flax seed whole wheat bagel with a chicken breast (white meat with no skin and stay away from cold cuts ). If you don't eat properly before hand, your body will start to take the fat from your internal organs (instead of the areas you are looking to lean out). If you have been weight lifting you need protein and stay light on carb consumption.
As a rule you are supposed to eat AFTER exercising, as your metabolic rate has increased and will use all the energy and fats from your food immediately. Lots of protein, green veggies, etc. Salads are wonderful to eat after exercising and not heavy on the stomach.
Always Eat a healthy breakfast
Do Not skip out on this meal. A breakfast does NOT consist of only coffee. A cup is fine in addition to something else. I realize that you might not be hungry right away but know that most of the energy you got from dinner the previous night is used up by morning, and your blood sugar may be low. If you don't eat, you may feel sluggish or lightheaded. Try a sports drink if you aren't a morning eater. If you are a morning exerciser eat about an hour before you workout. A lighter breakfast is a good option to raise your blood sugar. Emphasize carbohydrates for maximum energy.
Good breakfast options include:
Whole-grain cereals or bread
Low-fat milk
Juice
Bananas
Snack Smart
How do you feel? What works best for your BFF might not work for you. Listen to your body. Snacks eaten soon before exercise can help keep up your blood sugar. Good snack options include:
Energy bars or drinks
Bananas or other fresh fruit
Yogurt
Fruit smoothies
Whole-grain bagel or crackers with peanut butter
Granola bars
