Eating the right food is as important as lifting weight to build a great body. What you eat before a workout can impact your performance and overall result. Pre-workout nutrition fuels your body to perform an exercise and achieve the greatest potential during each session. But many athletes overlook the importance of pre-workout nutrition. But by not eating before exercise, you miss a huge opportunity to reach your potential growth. Hence, quality nutrition before a workout is essential for your body to perform at its best.

Why is Eating Before a Workout Important

Now the question is why eating before a workout is important. Your pre-workout nutrition is an integral part of the body transformation diet. It should typically include the right balance of carbs, protein, and fat. The idea of a pre-workout meal is to fuel your body to perform an exercise and maximize muscle growth. It is also important to increase glycogen levels and prevent catabolism. Carbohydrates provide a quick burst of energy to your body by raising your blood sugar level. Protein is made of amino acids that work as building blocks for muscles.  These amino acids increase protein synthesis and fight off hunger. Fats are also important in your pre-workout nutrition. Adequate amounts of fat help maintain hormonal balance and provide fuel for longer training sessions. However, a high amount of fat can leave gastric tissue in the stomach and reduce the body’s uptake of nutrients. But if you plan to work out longer than 90 mins, your body will use fat as fuel and support your performance.

Foods to Eat Before a Workout.

Egg

Eggs contain all nine essential amino acids our body needs to build muscle. In addition,  eggs also provide branched-chain amino acids that reduce muscle damage in the body

Oatmeal

Oats are a great source of fiber and carbs along with other important nutrients. They make an excellent meal to eat before a workout to power you through the session.

Chicken and fish

Chicken and fish provide lean protein with fewer calories and less fat. They contain all the essential proteins such as leucine and isoleucine that help in muscle repair and growth.

Banana and peanut butter

Bananas are rich in carbs and other necessary minerals like potassium. Combining it with a spoonful of peanut butter will make an excellent pre-workout snack that is full of carbs and protein.

Yoghurt

Yogurt is rich in protein and calcium. It is easy to digest and very light on the stomach. Adding a handful of dry fruits and grain cereal and nuts will give an extra dose of protein and energy.

Best Time to Eat Before a Workout

Your pre-workout meal timing is another important factor you should consider. For most people, the ideal time for a pre-workout meal is 1-2 hours before the training session. The timing depends on your metabolism, meal size, and the type of exercise you are planning to do. Fuel provided by your meal stays in your body only for 4-5hours. Hence, you should not have long hours of break between pre-workout meals and training sessions. Eating one or two hours before is the best way to fuel your body and muscles while you work out.

About AnExtraRep

AnExtraRep is a body transformation and fitness agency headed by Aditya Shrivastava. Aditya has been into bodybuilding for the last 19 years and is known for his practical and solid knowledge. He is also a certified fitness trainer with I.S.S.A. Over the last 9 years, his company has been Transforming over 2000 people every year from body to mindset about fitness. Aditya helps those who want to stay fit. Not only looking in great shape but also disease-free with a happier lifestyle. Read More about AnExtraRep Body Transformation Program at AnExtraRep’s 12 Week Transformation Program