A regular physical workout regimen should always be coupled together with a well balanced diet. Without the proper nutrition the body’s response to physical training and exercise can be greatly compromised.
A proper pre-workout and post-workout meal can greatly increase or decrease the effectiveness of one’s physical training.
While the pre-workout and post-workout meals are important, here is what you should know to make your physical workout effective.
*** Engaging in physical activity with an empty stomach has serious consequences on the body.
*** Skipping meals before exercise may cause fatigue, dizziness, poor performance and low energy.
*** A solid pre-workout meal increases energy and provides nourishment for consistent performance.
However, there are things you need to consider before you start unwrapping those energy bars :
*** Firstly, consider the level of intensity that your physical activity requires. Caloric intake should be sufficient to meet energy requirements during exercise.
*** Secondly, low intensity workouts such as yoga and pilates require lesser calories, while high intensity regimens like weightlifting requires more energy.
*** Lastly, meals should be consumed two hours before every workout to allow digestion.
Digestion concentrates blood in the stomach instead of the muscles, which disrupts performance during exercise.
For post-workout, a well balanced meal is necessary for efficient recovery. During exercise, the body loses essential nutrients.
A post-workout meal, helps replenish these lost nutrients, aids in tissue and muscle recovery, and helps stabilize the catabolic process disrupted during exercise.
It is best consumed thirty minutes after every workout but not beyond two hours of completing the activity. Whole grain cereals are effective pre-workout and post workout food.
The ideal workout meals should be full of slow burning complex carbohydrates such as whole grain cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Complex carbohydrates are the body’s main source of fuel and should make up two thirds of the average workout meals.
Whole grain cereals are not only good sources of complex carbohydrates but they also provide fiber, antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals.
