Fueling Your Workout the Healthy Way

by Yvonne So

Knowing what to eat before, during and after a workout session is important since it helps us to stay fueled, energized and hydrated. Remember that eating the right foods at the right time can optimize your performance. Plan your meals accordingly and try to eat whole foods when you can! The following tips might be helpful before, during and after your workout or races.

Pre Workout: Fuel should mainly be easy to digest carbohydrates to maximize muscle carbohydrate stores and should be consumed 1-2 hours prior to workout.

Food Ideas for Fast Energy:

Cereal with milk

Whole grain toast with Jam

Graham Crackers

Pretzels

Banana

Orange Juice

Pudding/Rice Pudding

During Workout: A sports drink containing carbohydrates can be used to replenish muscle stores and give an energy boost! Drink 2-3 cups of fluid every hour during work out. Avoid losing more than 1-2% of your body weight.

Ideas to Refuel:

Gatorade

PowerAde

Other Sports Drinks

After Workout: Eat foods that are high in carbohydrates and moderate in both protein and fat within 2 hours after workout for optimal recovery

Food Ideas for Strong Recovery

Vegetable omelet & toast

Turkey sandwich

Pasta & grilled chicken

PBJ sandwich

Yogurt & Trail mix

Low-fat Chocolate Milk

Proper hydration starts hours before you warm-up, occurs during workout and ends hours after you

cool down

Pre Workout: Drink 5-7ml/kg 4 hours before workout.

Tip: Carry a refillable water bottle with you.

During Workout: Again, drink 0.4 - 0.8 ml of fluid every hour. Aim to lose no more than 1-2% of your

body weight.

Tip: Take frequent breaks during workout.

Post Workout: For optimal recovery, drink 1.5 L for every kg of body weight lost.

Tip: Eat something with sodium to help you retain the fluid you drink, and choose foods that have water in them like fruit, vegetables, or yogurt

References:

Kollman, G., Rizzo, N and So, Y. Nutrition for Optimal Athletic Performance. New York: Teachers

College, Columbia University, 2013.

Cybex Fitness. “Post Workout Fuel For Maintaining Muscles”. 4^th Dec 2013. Available at:

http://blog.cybexintl.com/blog/bid/54843/Post-Workout-Fuel-for-Maintaining-Muscle