Out of all the myths associated with weight loss and working out, the most common is not eating anything beforehand. This is a form of crash dieting and can be extremely damaging for your body, starving the body will ultimately lead to low energy level s so you want get the best from your workout.
Why should we eat before a workout?
Eating before a workout session is essential as it gives your metabolism that much needed boost. A typical workout session can consist of running, cycling, weight lifting you name it – these activities can simply not be done on an empty stomach unless you want to cause your body some harm! To get the most out of your work-outs you need to eat a well-balanced meal or snack beforehand but remember you should have an hour gap between eating and working-out.
What are the best foods to eat before a strenuous workout session?
15 foods that will boost your metabolism and give you energy before you hit the gym!
Oats: Oats can help you maintain your body weight and keep you in good shape naturally as they are very nutritious and filling at the same time. Oats are easy to add to smoothies, breakfast bowls or as porridge and are great to fill you up in the morning.
Bananas: Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, so will give you a quick boost of energy before your gym session or workout. The good news is that bananas are a great natural source of protein so will add muscle building!
Coffee: Black Coffee contains caffeine that not only increases the rate of fat burning but also gives your body added fuel to enjoy the session.
Smoothies: Your body needs carbs and protein before a workout so fruit smoothies are the perfect combination keeping you energy levels up before a session.
Dried Fruit: If you need an instant energy rush, then a handful of dried fruit are a great choice. They also contain simple carbohydrates that will keep you active for longer.
Chick Peas: Half or a quarter bowl of boiled chickpeas garnished with lemon juice will supply the body with a great source of protein, carbohydrates and fiber. The best part is they are tasty and are very quick to prepare.
Apples and Oranges: Have been known to prevent many diseases – apples and oranges are rich in nutritious value as they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are also easy to digest and equip the body with a rich supply of energy.
Fresh Juice: healthy fresh fruit juices give the body an extra kick of energy that is required during a workout and also help burn calories at a faster pace.
Stemmed veggies: Vegetables have a good amount of carbohydrates so are great to eat before a workout session. Simply steam a selection of green veggies and add a pinch of Himalayan salt or a little lemon for taste.
Vegetable Juice: Vegetables in any form are needed to stay fit and active at all times. A mixed vegetable juice or even a plain carrot juice can not only prove healthy for the body but also enhance the metabolism.
Wholegrain Bread: A slice of good quality brown/wholemeal bread is a great source of carbohydrates for a constant flow of energy throughout a workout.
Beetroot: A natural blood enhancer, beetroot also speeds up the body’s fat burning process of the body and is great if you are aiming at weight loss through workout.
Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe Vera is a miracle plant as it has multiple benefits. Firstly it helps to keep skin healthy and glowing and secondly it helps to detoxify the body.
Blueberries: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, blueberries repair muscle tissues and can help prevent tissue damage during various muscle workouts.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in fibers called lignans and aid in digestion. They also enhance body endurance so are good to add to cereal, smoothies or oats on a daily basis.
If you’re goal is to lose weight – going to the gym on an empty stomach will not do the trick but enriching the body with nutrient rich foods is what you need to burn fat the healthy way!
