Not eating also slows down your metabolism, which means your body burns fewer calories.
Many people choose not to eat anything right before starting their daily workouts or after finishing them. While most of us exercise to have a healthy and toned body, many people are also looking to lose weight and believe that not eating can help them achieve their goals. However, according to experts, this approach can only backfire and lead to weight gain, despite being consistent with exercise.
Nutritionists say that since food fuels the body’s metabolism, not eating prevents the body from getting the nutrients it needs to ensure proper organ function. It can also slow down the metabolism, meaning the body burns fewer calories.
Why should you eat before exercising??
Nutritionists recommend eating a balanced meal at least three to four hours before training to allow food to digest. There should be a good amount of protein and carbohydrates and no fats and fiber, as they slow down digestion.
When you wake up, your blood sugar level is at its lowest, so to give yourself an energy boost, make sure to eat a piece of fruit or a homemade granola bar packed with nuts. Eating before your workouts provides your body with the energy it needs to complete the session in full.
Your pre-workout snack should include:
- An apple
- A handful of nuts
- Some sugar free pretzels
Fresh coconut water or lemonade
Eating after exercise
After you finish your workout, it’s important to eat well as your body goes into a repair mechanism. Eat a protein-rich snack 10-15 minutes after you finish exercising. Also, stay hydrated throughout the process. This will help you avoid muscle aches, pains and cramps.
Not eating or drinking anything while exercising can make you dehydrated and tired, leading to fatigue and muscle soreness. It also has an effect on your mental health, as it makes you angry. Therefore, food is an important part of your recovery.
Your post-workout snack should have:
- Protein shakes
- Greek yogurt with fruits
- String cheese
- Peanut butter
- Apple
Can you skip warming up before exercising?
If you do high-intensity workouts, it is very important to warm up, as skipping a workout can increase your risk of injury and overexertion of your muscles. Warming up before a workout helps to:
- Preventing injuries to the body
- Increases blood flow to the muscles, preparing them for sudden movements.
- Increase the range of motion of the joints.
- Activate reflexes
So, make sure to do some stretches that involve moving your muscles and joints to get your heart rate up.
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