Get the Most Out of Your Food and Exercise
Eating well and exercising regularly are key components of a healthy lifestyle. Rather than thinking of these two efforts independently, it’s important to understand the connection between eating and exercise so you can maximize your workouts and feel your best.
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dalina Soto shares tips on how to prioritize your wellness, with a focus on maintaining a well-balanced diet with plenty of water and wholesome foods that support your exercise routine:
Stay properly hydrated
Proper hydration fuels the body and mind while curbing hunger pangs. Hydration is especially important when you exercise because the more you move, the more water your body needs to replenish.
A smart first step is to keep a water container nearby all day as a reminder to sip regularly. When working out, bring a source of hydration with you. While sports drinks provide hydration, they also typically have a lot of sugar, so it is best to stick to plain H2O.
Eat a wholesome breakfast
Many people like to work out in the morning, but before you move your body, it is important to eat breakfast first. Set your alarm so you can eat an hour or more before working out. This helps ensure you have energy for your workout and enough time to digest food to avoid an upset stomach. Some ideas for a quick and healthy breakfast include whole-grain cereals, fruit, yogurt and eggs.
Don’t overdo food or water
Food and water can help you feel your best during a workout, but if you eat or drink too much before working out, you may feel sluggish or experience indigestion. This can negatively impact your exercise.
Good guidelines for eating pre-workout include enjoying larger meals three or four hours before and smaller meals at least one hour before. Light snacks can be OK right before a workout, but pay attention to how your body feels because everyone is unique.
Snack post-workout
Eating after your workout is essential to help your body recover and your muscles heal. Nutrient-dense snacks are a smart choice such as a protein smoothie, nut butter on wholegrain crackers or pretzels with hummus.