NUTRITION AND EXERCISE go hand in hand. If you are exercising a lot, you want to make sure to get the right kind of fuel in your body for optimal performance. Hardcore athletes often have particular food rituals, like runners who load up on crabs the night before a marathon with a giant pasta dinner. But for general fitness, we just want to get enough fuel for maximum energy for the workout, but not so much food that we are weighed down or get a cramp or stomachache. So, the best thing to do is wait 2 hours after a big meal before working out, but don’t hit the gym on an empty stomach.
If you are starving, have a light snack like a banana or an energy bar an hour before you exercise. Some people recommend having half a bagel (or other piece of bread with nothing on it) and half a cup of coffee before exercising to get a carb and caffeine pick-me-up. If you are hungry immediately after workout, help yourself to a protein shake or protein bar and have a good meal a couple of hours later. It is hard to fit this in, but if possible, wait 2 hours before and 2 hours after exercising to have a big meal.
Also, water is especially important when you are exercising. Drink plenty of water 2 hours before, immediately before during, and after workout to stay properly hydrated.
