It’s extremely important to consume the right foods and drinks pre-exercise in order to maximise your results and enjoy your workout. People often avoide food before a workout because they are worried about feeling sluggish or are concerned about burning less fat. But if you consume the appropriate foods and drinks at the right time, as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle, you will store enough energy to achieve even greater fitness results.
Bananas
Fruit possesses the simple sugar, fructose, which supplies the body with glycogen; a major source of energy. Bananas are particularly beneficial because they contain both simple and complex carbohydrates which gives you a quick burst of energy to help kick-start your workout plus a slow release of energy, enabling you to keep working out for longer.
Whole grain bread
People usually avoid bread as they think it will make them feel heavy and full but complex carbohydrates like whole grain bread, pasta and brown rice are the best source of long-term energy because they provide the muscles and fat tissue with glycogen. Try to eat these carbohydrates in small portions an hour before your workout to avoid causing stomach upset. If you eat a large meal of complex carbohydrates it is best to wait three hours before working out.
Water
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that we drink around 2 to 3 cups (0.5 to 0.7 litres) of water a few hours before a workout and then a ½ cup to 1 cup (0.12 to 0.13 litres) during a workout and 2-3 cups (0.5 – 0.7 litres) after a workout to keep you fully hydrated.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is a lean protein. Pre-workout, chicken will fill you up and give you energy without you feeling bloated and full. Post-workout, the protein will help your body in its recovery mode.