The Importance of Pre-Workout and Post-Workout Meals
There seems to be much debate on whether or not you need pre-workout and post-workout meals. Some people swear by them, while others say they are unnecessary and forgo any type of meal pre/post. That said, there are some benefits to them, which is what this article will explain.
To lay down a pretty basic understanding to get started, pre-workout meals and pre-workout snacks can boost your workout performance, while post-workout meals (like protein shakes) help refuel your body following intense training sessions. To throw another curveball into the mix, with so many articles on the internet, it can get confusing to figure out what to eat before and after a workout.
When it comes to pre-workout meals, what you are eating before workouts is quite important. If you are going to put your body through the stress of a workout and put a great demand on overall performance, you need to fuel it with proper nutrition. Besides certain supplements, there are some natural, tasty meals and snacks that you eat before workouts. There are all kinds of meals and specific foods that can fuel your body, fill your glycogen stores in the muscle, and help you achieve your fitness and physique goals faster.
Flipping to the other side of the conversation, when it comes to post-workout meals, these are just as important as a quality pre-workout meal. Refueling your body after a workout will help you to recover from the stress put on your body and muscles. A proper post-workout meal will help you not only gain strength but muscle size as well.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Nutrition Is What Can Improve or Hinder Your Results
Nutrition is imperative when it comes to helping take your workouts and results to the next level. Our body needs energy from what we eat in order to perform and function properly when pushing ourselves during a workout. You also need to focus on your nutrition with post-workout meals to properly recover and build muscle.
By burning the three main macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbs), our body gains energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is an essential energy source for our body. However, if energy is not required, then it can be stored as glycogen, fat, and creatine phosphate.
How to Leverage Pre-Workout Meals
The food you put into your body prior to workouts can make the difference between completely annihilating your workouts and sandbagging it. If you’re spending the time to drive to the gym, push some weight, and then drive all the way home, you’d want to maximize your effort, right?
Choosing foods that will enhance your workouts is vital to seeing the results you desire from your efforts. The goal is to continually overload the muscle to force change and promote muscle growth. But if you don’t have the energy required to keep pushing yourself, you’ll find your results falling short, which can lead to frustration and the possibility of throwing in the towel and giving up. You then need to continue this focus with your post-workout meals.
Related Article: 7 Foods and Beverages to Avoid in Your Pre-Workout Meal
There is a delicate balance of how much you should consume as your pre-workout meals as well. Not consuming enough may lead to performance issues, loss of strength, and fatigue during your training session. On the flip side, if you overeat, your stomach will feel bloated and unsettled, which can cause you to lose focus and not be able to maximize your time in the gym. Additionally, all of that mass in your stomach could cause an upset stomach, which could cause your training session to end abruptly.
The key is to keep it simple but balanced with your pre- and post-workout meals. You need carbs for energy and protein to supply your muscles with the necessary amino acids.
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