How to Fuel Your Body Properly with The Right Food
Who would’ve thought that you can eat your way to better health and physique? The right food will properly fuel your body. If you want to optimise your workout results, you need to start fueling your body the right way – with the right food. But what is the best food to sustain your fitness goals?
In this blog, we unpack the top ways to fuel your body properly.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
It’s our top tip! Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink enough water before, during, and after your workout regardless of fitness goals.
If you need extra help in this department, check out our newly-launched range, Hydrade. It tastes amazing and contains all the electrolytes your body needs to refuel.
- Eat Enough Carbs
Carbohydrates are the main fuel that your body burns during exercise. According to an article by the ACSM, people who work out, at any level, should obtain 50 to 60 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates. This will assist your body during long and high-intensity exercise. In fact, the more active you are, the more carbs you need.
See the #cheatsheet of healthy carbs: brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread and pasta, sweet potatoes, fruits, and vegetables.
- Protein
The amount of protein you need depends not only on your size but also on the type of exercise you do. Everyone is different and thus your needs will differ. In another recent blog we discussed the protein you need. According to that blog and the Mayo Clinic, 10% to 35% of your intake should come from protein. For example, for a diet consisting of 2,000 calories, that’s 200–700 calories from protein or 50–175 grams. If you’re trying to add lean muscle mass, you may need to eat more protein than if you mainly do endurance exercises like walking or running.
Nutrition and Metabolism (2021), suggests that eating protein more frequently throughout the day improves muscle building. Try adding protein to your breakfast and start the day off on a protein note to ensure your hit your fitness goals.
Protein is crucial because it provides the body with the amino acids it needs to build and repair muscle. Good sources of protein are poultry and fish. Those who prefer to avoid meat can try soybeans and legumes like beans, peanuts, and chickpeas. Eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese, and tofu are good sources, too.
For extra protein sources, click here.
- Balance
Yes, it’s all about balance. Maintain a healthy and consistent diet. It doesn’t only matter what you eat and drink before and after workouts, but also how you eat the rest of your day. That’s why it’s important to focus on a lifestyle shift and not a wonder week. A healthy lifestyle is more maintainable than a quick and restricted diet.
When you exercise, it’s especially important that you fuel your body with enough vitamins and minerals to maintain your health and performance.
It’s as simple as getting enough fruit and vegetables in your diet, prioritising protein intake and drinking enough water.
- Pre-workout
Before you work out, it’s recommended to eat energising snacks and meals.
We also have the highest quality of pre-workouts that will ensure your body is fuelled for an intense and successful workout so you can keep those energy levels up! Click here to choose the pre-workout that fits your needs.
- Post workout
Your body uses its stored energy sources during a workout. After you exercise, you need to restore those nutrients as soon as possible.
Research suggests that eating foods high in protein after your workout (within 15 minutes), provides essential amino acids that build and repair muscles. This may also increase the energy your body puts into storage to draw from in the future. We suggest eating a protein bar or sipping on BCAA. Another great way to replenish your energy is a post-workout smoothie.
Yes, you can optimise your results and better your health with the right food.
Fuel your body with the right food. Start by including these tips in your daily routine. Drink enough water, maintain a balanced diet, get enough protein in your diet, and make the right choices pre, and post-workout.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/food-fuel-your-body-like-athletes-111813
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