If you’re anything like me, you need to know specifically the best food for workouts.  For a long time, I considered eating carbohydrates downing the container of leftover pasta, or buttering up some noodles with Parmesan cheese. Well, come to find out, that might not have been my BEST available option.

Learn specifically the best food for workouts. Incorporate the following tips into your diet to support your workout routine.

Food that Fuels and Repairs

It is best to have a quality meal about 60 minutes before your workout and to eat once again within 30 minutes of completing your workout. Prior to training you want to give your body what it needs for sustained energy output and proper muscle function. Thus, what you want to eat is some high quality protein, low glycemic carbohydrates and essential fatty acids.

Example:
Protein: chicken or turkey breast
Carbohydrates: sweet potato, oatmeal or brown rice
Fats: almonds, walnuts, avocado, olive oil or natural peanut butter

Once you are finished training your body again needs high-powered nutrients for the repair, recovery and rebuilding process. Once again, this requires protein and a combination of low AND high glycemic carbohydrates. At this time we want nutrients to be moved very quickly into the cells, which takes insulin. The moderate amount of high GI carbs will support the rapid release of insulin, which is why they should be included post-workout.

Example:
Protein: whey, egg whites, fish (Tilapia as example)
Carbohydrates: combination white and brown rice or white and sweet potato
Fats: none added to this meal as this will slow down the absorption of nutrients

Eric Broser, President, PRRS Training Systems

Smoothie Power

Drinking your breakfast is a quick and easy way to get in lots of nutrients without feeling weighed down. I start my day with a superfruit smoothie that gives me healthy energy, immune support, and it’s also cleansing, alkalinizing – and delicious!

The secret beauty ingredient in this smoothie is Genesis Today’s Acai Berry Juice, which you can find at Walmart. It is really high in nutrients, practically like drinking your vitamins. Plus this Acai juice is known to support metabolism, boost immunity, and they don’t call it the “beauty berry” in Brazil for nothing! I also add a scoop of powdered greens, you can get 3-5 servings of leafy green vegetables in one scoop – for breakfast! These powdered greens are also a source of protein and probiotics. For additional protein, I also throw in some greek yogurt and raw almond butter. The yogurt has 20 grams of protein and is great for digestion! The almond butter is a source of “good for you” fat and 8 grams of protein. To round out the smoothie, I include berries of your choice, a banana, and ice.

This is a great way to start your day whether you’re preparing for a big workout, trying to lose weight, or just all around seeking better health.

Cheryl Wheeler Duncan, Certified Nutritionist & Hollywood Stuntwoman

What is your favorite food for workouts?