How To Eat When Working Out

By: Morgan Kierra Walton-McNeal

Break Studios Contributing Writer

It can be difficult to figure out how to eat when working out because working out is not synonymous with eating. The thought of eating while working out can seem counterproductive. So, by default most people do not eat when working out. This can lead to health issues and sickness. Believe it or not, it is possible to eat and workout and still achieve any weight loss goal. For anyone struggling with how to eat when working out, here is a little help.

For starters remember that any form of starvation is counterproductive. It is true that when your body gets less than its usual caloric intake it uses body fat, but if you don’t give your body anything, it goes into panic mode and holds every single morsel of food it gets. You have to eat when you are working out. Any healthy work out plan will incorporate food. You just have to monitor what you eat and how much of. Starvation deprives your body of many necessary nutrients that food provides. Diets that cut out ANY food group are unhealthy. Yes, this does mean sweets as well; there is a certain amount of sugar your body needs to keep it functioning healthily
Knowing how to drink is just as important. Water is your best friend when working out. You should constantly be drinking water. It should actually be the only thing you drink. Alcohol, sodas, and juices should all be avoided. Vitamin flavored waters are ok to drink as long as the calorie and sugar counts are low.
Every meal is important. Skipping meals is the best way to shoot yourself in the foot when working out. Your body needs a refueling every so often (hence the three meals per day). If you deprive your body of meals your energy levels will be lower.
Eat before and after every work out. Eat an hour and a half before a workout and an hour after. But do not eat during a workout. During exercise is not the proper time to eat. However you can drink a sports drink that replenishes electrolytes.

Here are some healthy foods to eat when on a workout plan:

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