Written by: Patrick Edenfield, Personal Trainer & TRX Instructor @ O2 Fitness Falls/540
We are what we eat, right?? Most of us have heard this saying, but how many of us know what it means or know how truly important the food we put into our bodies is for our fitness success? Diets themselves are more often than not associated with weight loss. But the truth is a sound diet is just as important for the individual trying to lose weight as it is for the avid exercisers trying to build muscle and keep intensity at its peak while keeping the body performing strong.
Your Diet DOES Matter
What you eat does matter, for weight loss AND performance training.
The human body needs energy to perform the high demands of exercise. Without the proper fuel, you will have no choice but to turn to fat stores as a fuel source during your training. In order to keep your body ready, you should consume a high-carbohydrate meal 2-4 hours prior to beginning exercise.
Pasta, rice, bread, fruit, and vegetables are great foods to add to your pre-workout meal. Mixing a can of tuna with a cup of brown rice will give your body plenty of the fuel it needs to complete your high intensity workout.
During the onset of your training, the stored glycogen in your muscles from your pre-workout meal will be released to be used for the production of ATP, which is your preferred energy source during exercise as well as most of your daily activities. This ATP production will take your training to places you never knew existed! Power through your workouts and leave O2 Fitness feeling energized and strong!
You Are What You Eat- Literally!
If you find yourself fatigued quickly after the onset of your exercise routine, remember, you are only as good as the food your fuel your body with. Low glycemic foods are foods that help regulate the amount of glucose that is in your blood thus storing this must have energy in your muscles. Foods carrying a low glycemic index like corn flakes, apples, and quinoa will work their magic for you and your body!
After your newly energized workout is complete, rebuild your lost glycogen stores to keep yourself ready to tackle the rest of your day. The same foods that will fuel your body pre-workout will also help refuel your body post-workout, so don’t be shy. If you are looking for those hard hitting, sweat ridden exercises; give your body what it needs to get you the results that you want!!
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