The foods you eat before you exercise and the timing of your meals or snacks plays an integral part in your overall health. Research has shown that eating a light meal may enhance your fat-burning potential. Eating too much before you begin a workout can result in nausea and make you feel tired.  Eating too little before a workout can leave you feeling hungry without the fuel to finish.

What Should I Eat Before I Exercise?

Any pre-workout meal should include carbohydrates, the main source of fuel for the body.  Carbohydrates include breads, pasta, fruits and vegetables.  The body also utilizes protein so the pre-workout meal should include some protein, but remember there is NO need to overload.  Some fat is also healthy.  We try to focus on the "good fats" vs. the "bad fats."  An example of good fat can be found in nuts, while bad fat can be found in sweets or fried foods.

What Should I Eat After I Exercise?

Eating after exercise is important as well. A post-recovery snack is beneficial and should be eaten within a half hour after completing a workout.  As mentioned in the principles of training, recovery is a time for your body to rest and recuperate.  This post-work out meal should contain some protein, some complex carbohydrates and some healthy fats too. Protein shakes are available for purchase at the Pitt Center.  Other snacks can included bars, such as Cliff Bars or PowerBars.