Food for Exercise

Every day, you eat three square meals; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or maybe you've discovered the benefits of eating 4 to 6 smaller meals spread throughout the day. No matter if you're stuck on a traditional three-meal-a-day routine or have moved into the five- or six-meal plan, it goes without saying that you need to eat the right stuff.
There is one thing that I would like you to have one your mind while enjoying your next meal and that thing is this: Exercise. Why would ask that of you? Well, there are several reasons. For one thing, I want you to consider how much work you’ve put into you time at the gym and decide if the food choices you have made get you closer or further away from your overall wellness goal.

Consider the Amount

Yes, food gives you energy. The unfortunate reality is that eating lots and lots of food doesn't necessarily give you lots and lots of energy; Quite the opposite. For example, eating too much immediately prior to your workout can cause you to feel heavy, sluggish, or in need of a bathroom break. On the other side of the eating spectrum, not eating enough will cause you to feel weak and unable to complete your exercise routine.

Neither is ideal.

Keeping your body fed evenly throughout the day, avoiding prolonged periods of fasting, or skipping meals is optimal not only for managing your weight, but for maintaining your energy levels.

When clients have asked me about eating before their exercise session, I usually advise they be careful not to eat a meal less than one hour before exercising. So, if a hunger pain should hit you within an hour of your impending workout, take care of it with a healthy snack (a glass of low-fat milk or an apple should suffice).

And if you can’t help but have a large meal, make sure you have it three or four hours before you plan to hit the gym (or within 1 hour after completing your routine).

Until next time – Live Life Well,

John Aaron Villarreal
www.johnaaron-massage.com

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The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose,
cure, treat or prevent disease. Please consult your physician
prior to starting any exercise or diet program.

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