The Importance of Combining Nutrition and Exercise

As we're about to see, nutrition is paramount for anyone, especially for those getting a lot of exercise. This is because active people burn through more calories at a faster rate.

An appropriate diet is fundamental for gym-goers. It’s the best way to ensure high performance and get the results you want. Keep reading to find out about the importance of fueling yourself, as well as the negative effects of failing to do so.

It’s not a good idea to skimp on food before the gym

Many people think that going to the gym on an empty stomach will help them to lose more weight. This belief is totally false, and in addition to not delivering results, it can be dangerous for your body.

If you don’t eat before working out, you’ll only be limiting your performance. You’ll tire much more quickly, push yourself less in your weight training, and have less stamina.

As a result, your exercise sessions might be less intense, with fewer repetitions, compared to someone who might be doing the same routine after eating.

Another negative effect of not eating before going to the gym is needing more time to recover after a workout, whether from an injury or just tiredness. As a result, we feel tired for a longer period and take longer to return to the gym.

What should I eat before going to the gym?

Now, just because it’s good to eat before working out, doesn’t mean it’s good to eat anything because you’re about to burn it off. It’s best to eat a small or moderate serving of healthy food that provides the necessary energy. It’s good to remember that the body will exert more energy than normal, so prepare for this accordingly.

To give you an idea of which snacks are best, we’ll provide a list of food to eat before going to the gym. As you’ll see, they are all made with common foods, and they require little preparation. That’s why there’s no excuse for going to the gym on an empty stomach!

• Oatmeal cups with skim milk: Oatmeal contains all of the necessary nutrients to give your body energy for the gym. At the same time, it’s easily digestible.
• Smoothies with fruit and milk: This is a refreshing option during the summer months. You can also combine different fruits so you don’t get bored of always drinking the same thing. Fruit will provide the perfect vitamins for exercise at the gym.

What should I eat after going to the gym?

Just as you should prepare your body for a workout, it’s also important to take care of it  after you’ve returned from the gym. This is why you must eat well to recuperate the energy you lose.

The timing of a post-workout meal is key. People should control their hunger and only ingest healthy food. If not, the time at the gym could be for nothing, and you could still gain weight despite having exercised.

To continue, we’ll leave you with some post-workout snack options. They’re all satisfying and healthy, and they’ll calm your appetite.

• A glass of natural fruit juice with orange and banana: This combination of fruits is one of the healthiest foods for after a session at the gym. On one hand, the juice restores liquids that you’ve lost through sweat. On the other hand, the banana provides potassium and sugars that your body can process quickly.
• Whole-wheat tuna sandwich: Firstly, the carbohydrates will help you recuperate energy. Additionally, tuna is a superfood for athletes trying to replenish proteins after a workout in a natural and healthy manner.

In conclusion, as you can see in this article, nutrition is key and is necessary both before and after going to the gym. You’ve got to let go of the myth that you’ll lose more weight more quickly by exercising on an empty stomach – it’s totally false. Fill your body with the right nutrients before and after a workout and you’ll quickly notice the results.