Eat Your Way to a Better Workout - Page 4
Improve your energy and endurance by making sure you're getting the right mix of carbs, proteins, fats, and fluids
Remember to Refuel After Your Workout
Have you noticed that you often crave sweets or starchy foods after a good workout? That's because your body needs to replenish the glycogen it used. It's important to refuel after a workout, but it's also important to choose the right food.
For about 2 hours after you exercise, your body is primed for refueling and can replenish its glycogen supplies more quickly than normal, but only if you feed it. So what's the best apres-activity treat for your sore muscles? Carbs are good, but a combination of carbohydrates and lean protein is even better for your body's recovery. Together, they help replenish your glycogen stores, and the protein provides important amino acids that work to repair damaged muscle tissue.
Serve Yourself Strong
Sometimes, making time for exercise is difficult enough without having to plan what you'll eat during the day to make your workout more effective. But if you're working on increasing your cardiovascular fitness or improving your strength or flexibility, it's worth it. Making just a few small changes to the way you eat can mean the difference between calling it quits or calling "next" on the elliptical trainer. Your body will feel better when you put it to the test, and that will give you your best shot at reaching the finish line.
Potassium may help prevent muscle cramps, since it helps muscles to contract and relax. Try munching on melon, dried apricots, or bananas before a strenuous workout.
