Eating and then doing exercise on a full stomach can be dangerous. It will more often than not cause nausea, cramping and stomach upsets. It can also hinder the benefits your workout could give you if you worked out on a lighter stomach. Below are a few handy tips on what to eat before and after a workout:-
1. Make sure that you eat or drink something at least 20 or 30mins before your workout. Not a large meal but certainly some water so you are hydrated and either a protein shake, protein bar or a banana for example to give you an energy lift and some fuel in the tank for your workout.
2. Avoid caffeine. Some people assume caffeine is good but it is a stimulant not an energy boost and should be avoided as a pre or post work out energy boost.
3. After your work out. Eat! The hour after your workout is the most important, your body and muscle need to refuel on precious nutrients so drink lots of water or an electrolyte drink and enjoy healthy light meal such as eggs, chicken and veggies or tuna and wholegrain rice. If you’re on the go and don’t have time to eat take a whey protein to keep your body full of what it needs.
Your body needs energy but being weighed down with a full stomach can cause harm and your exercise experience will not be a happy one. By following the tips above and learning to listen to your body and what it’s comfortable with will make for a safe and happy exercise ready body!
