Each workout needs a different food fuel: Here’s a beginner’s list

Working out for good health is a practice many have in their daily lives. However, getting the best performance and results from a workout is not only about the type of training one does, but also what kind of fuel the body receives for the type of training that is done. Some workout sequences need more, and some need less when it comes to food. It’s crucial to tailor the body’s needs for the physical activity it’s about to undertake. 

What to eat for which workout?

To start with the basics, your pre-workout diet for strength training and weightlifting should be aimed at carbs, healthy fats, and lots of protein. Some examples are a simple greek yogurt mix, sweet potato dishes, chicken breast, and salads with nuts and avocado a few hours before training.

For high intensity interval training (HIIT), the body needs water and electrolytes. High mineral snacks, salted nuts, bananas, fruit smoothies, and some protein work best 2–3 hours before training.

Yoga and pilates fans can keep the fuel to a low intensity one like yogurt with berries, fruit, and a few nuts in small portions. The time also does not need too much spacing, and can be approximately 1 hour before the workout. 

Early morning and evening workouts also need a bit of tailoring for the diet. In the morning, to keep it light, black coffee and toast with jam to keep energy high could work the best, while for the evening it should still be light but more focused on protein. The usual go-to is fruit and peanut butter before and a well balanced meal after for the evenings. 

Photo by Tangerine Newt via Unsplash