Just as you put fuel in your car before driving, you want to put fuel in your body before you work out. Eating the right type of fuel at the right time before your workout will help motivate and energize your workout.
2 to 4 Hours Pre-Workout
Because preparing for your workout doesn’t just happen if you’re working out mid or later in the day, what you eat earlier in the day matters. Select a snack containing all macronutrients (carbs, fats, protein) 2 to 4 hours before training to help to ward off hunger and top off muscle glycogen levels. On the go and looking for a snack? Check out the Vega Sport® Protein Bar for chewy, chocolatey snack with 20 grams of plant-based protein.
When preparing your snacks be sure to choose food that are easily digested and can settle comfortably. This will help your body to use energy during your workout rather than in digestion.
20 to 30 Minutes Pre-Workout
Whether you’ve just woken up, or just finished work, it’s time to quickly prepare your body for your workout.
Sugar-Free Vs. Functional Carbohydrates
Different workouts have different fueling requirements. Length and intensity are two main considerations when fueling your body and preparing for your workout. Functional sugars (sugars or carbohydrates your body needs for energy and stamina) are used wisely when engaging in intensive workouts like weight training, Cross-fit, endurance runs or bicycle rides, especially those that last an 30 minutes or longer. Before any of those activities, use Vega Sport® Energizer. If you’re engaging in a less-intense or shorter workout such as yoga or pilates Vega Sport® Sugar-Free Energizer is a suitable option to have 20 minutes pre-workout to get the caffeine without the functional sugars your body doesn’t necessarily require for a less-intense workout.
Pre-Workout Hydration
Preventing dehydration before exercise is one of the keys to maintaining exercise performance (especially in hot/humid environments). Leading up to your prolonged endurance exercise, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. If possible, drink extra fluid leading up to your training session.
There are many things to consider when fueling for your workout but the quality and selection of the right food at the right time and proper hydration is paramount. Good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated, just be sure to schedule your pre-workout nutrition just as you schedule your workouts.
