At HealthQuest, we know that in order to achieve your fitness goals, you need to pair exercise with diet. Eating well-rounded meals that are optimized for athletic performance can make you feel better as you go about daily activities, ramp up your energy level during exercises and ease your recovery process post-workout.
The Importance Of Carbohydrates
Most people regularly consume carbs as part of their daily diet, but when it comes to high-performance fitness, it becomes considerably more important to take a closer look at carbohydrate intake. Since carbs serve as our primary source of energy, the more time spent working out, the more carbs will need to be consumed. Consider working whole grains, beans and starchy vegetables – like potatoes – into your diet to fuel up on complex carbohydrates that are digested more slowly to help prevent your blood sugar from bottoming out after a rapid spike. Complex carbs provide quick-acting energy while also extending the longevity of that increased energy, so you don’t experience the dreaded post-workout slump.
Establish Smarter Eating Habits
While eating two to three meals per day is a conventional approach to dieting, eating more frequently – and making healthier food choices in the process – can lead to better overall health and enhanced athletic performance. Start the day with a breakfast that focuses on protein, perhaps incorporating Greek yogurt and a small serving of nuts into your meal. Snacks between primary mealtimes keep your metabolism constantly stimulated, and working multiple servings of fruits and veggies into each meal ensures you’re getting the necessary amount of nutrients, ranging from vital vitamins to iron found in leafy greens.
Pre-Workout And Post-Workout Nutrition
As your workout nears, you’re going to require a greater boost of energy to carry you through the entirety of your cycling session, martial arts class, basketball game or swim, which means you’ll need more carbohydrates and a good portion of protein anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours before you begin exercising. Make sure to eat soon after your workout, consuming a small snack – healthy choices are always available at HealthQuest’s HQ Café – or heading straight for your evening meal, which should be comprised of complex carbohydrates and proteins to help you refuel the energy lost during your workout.
Always Stay Hydrated
One of the most important rules of fitness is to remain hydrated at all times by drinking water constantly throughout the day. After you’ve wrapped up your routine, make sure to replace the fluids and electrolytes that have been lost with sports drinks.
Get In Shape At HealthQuest
Eager to embark on the path toward better health and wellness? Find a fitness routine that’s right for you at HealthQuest. Contact us or visit our Flemington, New Jersey location today to learn more.