Before beginning to work out like heading to the gym for a cardio or weightlifting session, eating proper foods is regarded as one of the vital factors that maximize your efforts and results. Below are six kinds of foods which are beneficial for you during your workout.
Lentils
Lentils, which consist of carbs, protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper, will provide you a great pre-workout energy boost but they are also low in fat and calories. If you cannot eat them, let\'s start with a small portion.
You should eat a small bowl of boiled lentils containing 290 calories, 40 grams carbs, 18 grams protein and 1 gram fat
Pasta
Pasta contains a great source of complex carbs that help grow stored energy (glycogen) in the muscles. You should eat whole-wheat pasta in small portions two to three hours for digestion before your workout.
You can eat a half-bowl of cooked whole-wheat spaghetti which provides 87 calories, 19 grams carbs, 4 grams protein and 0.5 gram fat
Almonds
Although almonds are full of fat, their monounsaturated fats provide energy-boosting essential fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s. The fats you shouldn’t consume before exercising are saturated ones including cheese and butter because they can make you tired and lethargic.
Eating 12 almonds means you are provided 83 calories, 3 grams carbs, 3 grams protein and 7 grams fat
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is full of fiber but low on the glycemic index, so the carbs are released into your bloodstream gradually to keep your energy levels constant during workout session. In addition, they also contain B vitamins, which are energizing and stress-lowering.
You should eat 1 cup of oatmeal (145 calories, 25 grams carbs, 6 grams protein, 2 grams fat)
Yogurt
The magnesium in yogurt can activate enzymes involved in the metabolism of protein and carbs to offer you more energy for your workout. Besides, it provides the explosive source of energy used for lifting weights.
You should eat 8 ounces low-fat plain yogurt (130 calories, 15 grams carbs, 11 grams protein, 3 grams fat)
Bananas and other fruits
Bananas are rich of potassium that aids in maintaining proper nerve and muscle function. Furthermore, their sugar is actually a digestible form of carbohydrate. You can also eat more fruits like apples, peaches, pineapples and grapes.
You can eat 1 medium banana consisting of 105 calories, 27 grams carbs, 1 gram protein and 0.5 gram fat
Related links:
Healthy Food For Healthy Aging
Eating Exciting Healthy Food
Making Healthy Food Choices
Most Healthy Pre-Workout Foods