Although breakfast can be considered one of the most important meals of the day, what you eat before and especially after physical activity is equally as important. Some even argue that for athletes, post-exercise nutrition is the most important meal of the day!

With that said however, how to eat before and after exercise can be quite confusing. With all of the advertisements, advice and myths out there it’s no wonderful people aren’t sure where to turn. What I commonly see are people are either all gung-ho on the protein shakes and supplements (completely disregarding the need for carbohydrates and other essential nutrients) or decide not to eat at all. If your goal is to have energy for your next workout, build muscle or keep your body healthy, follow some key suggestions below.

BEFORE

Let’s start at the very beginning. What you eat before exercise is going to help you get the best workout possible and hopefully prevent you from “hitting the wall” or losing all your stamina and energy halfway through. In other words, eating well before physical activity will prevent fatigue and allow you to exercise longer and with more intensity.

During the Day

Eat regularly
- This usually means 3 meals and 2 snacks
Stay hydrated and sip on water
Include carbohydrate-rich foods in your meals and snacks
- i.e. fruit, grain products, milk products, starchy veggies (i.e. potatoes, corn, squash), legumes, and lentils
If your exercise is intense, you may need a smaller meal a few hours before to prevent an upset stomach

Remember:
You know your body the best! Try different foods before a workout/event/competition. See what works best for you and stick with that. Listen to your body!

2-4 Hours Before = MEAL

Have a balanced meal + 500ml (2 cups) fluid
The meal should be rich in carbohydrates, lower in fat and fairly low in protein and fibre
- This allows for proper digestion

Examples:

Toast with peanut butter, fruit and glass of milk
Sandwich (meat, vegetables, cheese) + milk or fruit
Fruit smoothie + homemade muffin
Oatmeal with fruit and milk
Whole wheat wrap with meat and vegetables
Stir fry with meat/tofu/legumes, brown rice and vegetables

Note: Portion size depends on your body size, gender and duration of exercise. For a full meal, some people find they need at least 3-4 hours before they exercise.

1-1.5 Hours Before = QUICK ENERGY SNACK

If you are hungry or your workout will last more than 1 hour, grab an “energy-sustaining” or “quick-energy snack.”

Snack + 200-250ml (1-1.5cups fluid)
The snack should be high in carbohydrates, lower in fat/protein/fibre
- Fat, protein and fibre are all important for a healthy diet. However, because they take longer to digest, eating foods high in these nutrients may cause bloating or discomfort during a workout.
Try to avoid foods rich in “simple carbohydrates” (i.e. high in sugar – chocolate bars, candy). These may cause a surge of energy and then a quick drop halfway through your workout!

Examples:

Fresh fruit
Home-made muffin
Bowl of cereal with milk
Apple sauce with cinnamon
Regular yogurt + berries or other fruit
Toast with peanut butter
Cheese + crackers + grapes
Fruit + yogurt

Interesting Nutrition Fact!
Did you know…

Carbohydrates are the MAIN source of energy for our body and the ONLY source of energy for the brain? Makes sense why you may find it hard to concentrate if you are hungry, hey? or feel like you have no energy for a workout if you had one quick meal during the day?

In other words, whenever we have food with carbohydrates in it, our body breaks it down into glucose (or energy). This is then converted into glycogen and stored in our muscles and liver. This glycogen acts like a “reserve” which our body will then use for energy during exercise.

Why do we want nice and full glycogen stores?

For a better workout!
Glycogen acts like a back-up or reserve (think ‘pantry or reserve for energy’)
During prolonged activity, our body will use glycogen for energy

Will I notice if my glycogen stores are low?

YES!
If we do not eat enough carbohydrates, glycogen is not stored to help us fuel activity lasting more than 1 hour
Your endurance will drop and you will “hit the wall”

Can I replenish glycogen stores during a workout?

No! This is why eating well during the day is so important!

What happens if I decide to have a low-carbohydrate diet?

You will have lower glycogen stores and your muscles will become tired more quickly during exercise
Your body will breakdown protein (i.e. your muscles) to make glucose
- Carbohydrates spare protein from being broken down to make glucose (energy) when needed
People who eat enough calories and carbohydrates in the day will use protein less as an energy source

** Remember, carbohydrate is the main source of energy for physical activity **

AFTER

Within 30 minutes = SNACK

As soon as you start to cool down, the recovery clock starts ticking
Try to eat within 30 minutes of completing any type of physical activity. (This does NOT include stretching).
- Body cells are most receptive to being replenished during this time

1. Carbohydrates

Restore glycogen stores
Help the immune system recover more quickly
Help increase overall endurance and performance (especially if you plan on working out the next day)
Your best bet: simple carbohydrates (i.e. tropical fruits like mangos, bananas, peaches).
- These are quickly absorbed into your bloodstream and will help replenish glycogen stores immediately

2. Protein

Repairs muscle damage
Aim for 15-25g protein (Your body cannot absorb more than this at one time)

3. Fluids

Replace fluid losses (about 2 cups fluid)
The longer and more intense your workout, the more you need to drink
Hydration = pale yellow urine
Staying hydrated will help improve performance

4. Electrolytes

Replace losses
Sodium is the main electrolyte lost in sweat
If you sweat a lot, consuming foods higher in sodium will help replenish these losses

5. Vitamins and Minerals

Eating a healthy diet during the day will help support your health and immune system
As we increase exercise, free radical formation is increased. Antioxidants will help protect your body’s cells from this damage.
- Found in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, and garlic

Examples:

Kefir + protein power + fruit (Lisa’s smoothie!)
Banana + Greek yogurt
Peanut butter sandwich + berries + milk
Chocolate milk + fruit
Cottage cheese + rice cracker + peanut butter
Cereal + milk

Within 2 Hours = MEAL

Include all 4 food groups
Rich in complex carbohydrates (high fibre options) and protein

Examples:

Stir fry with meat/ tofu/legumes, brown rice and vegetables
Sandwich (meat and vegetables) with milk
Whole wheat pasta with meat sauce + side salad
Scrambled eggs with cheese and diced peppers + whole grain toast
Grilled salmon or chicken breast + baked sweet potato + steamed vegetables

Final Suggestions

If activity is less than an hour and of less intensity, you could go straight to a meal (make sure you incorporate a source of carbohydrates, protein and fluids).
Planning meals and snacks ahead of time will help ensure you perform at your best and recovery properly
Choose real food first!

Happy Exercising,
Lisa

References

Coach. (2016). Fluids and Foods AFTER Training/Competition. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.coach.ca/fluids-and-foods-after-training-competition-p154681.
Coach. (2016). Eating for Endurance - Making Sense of Sport drinks, Bars, and Gels. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.coach.ca/eating-for-endurance-making-sense-of-sport-drinks-bars-and-gels-p154675.
Erdman, K. (2016). Recharge and Replenish - Recovery Nutrition. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.coach.ca/recharge-and-replenish-recovery-nutrition-p154667.
Coach. (2016). Optimizing Your Recovery Routine. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.coach.ca/optimizing-your-recovery-routine-p157156.
Sharp, A. (2015). Best Pre Workout Meals & Post Workout Meals for Endurance & Strength Training. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.abbeyskitchen.com/nutrition-best-pre-workout-meals-post-workout-meals-enduranc/.
EatRight Ontario. (2016). Stay Active. Eat Like a Champion. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Physical-Activity/Stay-Active-Eat-Like-a-Champion.aspx#.V-xFioRlkSJ.
EatRight Ontario. (2016). Healthy Eating Checklist for Active Adults. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Physical-Activity/Healthy-Eating-Checklist-for-Active-Adults.aspx#.V-xGRYRlkSJ.
EatRight Ontario. (2016). Sports nutrition: Facts on carbohydrate, fat and protein. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Physical-Activity/Sports-nutrition--Facts-on-carbohydrate,-fat-and-p.aspx#.V-xF34RlkSJ.
Staton, J. (2010). Running: The Complete Guide to Building Your Running Program. Toronto: Penguin Group.
Dietitians of Canada. (2016). Fuelling up before exercise. Retrieved September 2016, from http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Sports-Nutrition-(Adult)/Fuelling-up-before-exercise.aspx.
Dunford, M. (2006). Sports Nutrition: A Practice Manual for Professionals (4th ed.). USA. American Dietetic Association.

Nutrition Bites

Recovery Electrolytes

How to Fuel for and Recover from your Workout

BEFORE

AFTER