Pre and post workout meals are both very important for giving the best results.
Pre work out meals
As the name suggests it is a meal consumed before the exercise session. It is very important as it gives fuel to the body to perform the activity.
What should a pre workout meal be?
A pre workout meal should be a combination of carbs and protein.
Carbs for providing energy and protein to supply muscles with right amino acids.
- Nuts and dry fruits
- Fruits
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal with milk
- Greek yogurt with fruits
What is the best time to consume pre workout meal?
Pre workout meal should be consumed at-least an hour before the workout , a meal consumed close to the exercise session can cause digestive discomfort.
Post workout meals
Its again very important to eat the right meal after the exercise session as it will replace the calories which are used up for the exercise session. During workout the muscles use up their glycogen the body’s preferred fuel source and some amount of protein too. Hence it is important to replenish the glycogen which has been depleted during the exercise session and protein for muscle repair.
- Eggs with multigrain toast
- Oatmeal with fruit and nuts
- Hummus sandwich
- Peanut butter on toast
- Greek yogurt with berries and granola
- Grilled chicken with vegetables and rice
What is the best time to consume post workout meal?
The best time is immediately after exercise as body’s ability to rebuild the glycogen and protein is enhanced post exercise and the meal consumed at this time will be best utilized by the body.
Hence both the pre and post workout meals are very important and every nutrient in it has a specific role to play like the carbs help maximize the glycogen stores for exercise and protein helps muscle repair and prevents damage.
A good pre and post workout meal can help you exercise a long way.
