Celebs that workout a lot (like Fergie, who is a die-hard runner), know the foods to consume before and after to get the best results.
Pre-Workout:
Avoid large portions right before you’re ready to sweat, but never exercise when your stomach is growling. Chances are you won’t have enough energy to reach your fat burning potential and you’ll end up with poor results. Your go-to safe bet? Eat quick absorbing carbs and low-fat snacks before workouts because they’re easily digested and help normalize blood sugar. Things like fresh fruit and yogurt, a small bowl of whole-grain cereal and milk, or crackers and peanut butter are all great options. Avoid high-fibre foods that may stimulate the digestive system at an inconvenient time.
Post-Workout:
It’s just as important to eat smart after you’re done sweating it out in order to replenish the energy stores you’ve just depleted. This helps you recover quickly and be ready for your next exercise session. Be sure to also drink plenty of water in this stage of the game to restore what you’ve just lost and to help reduce the pain of sore muscles the following day.
The most important thing? Protein. Eating protein along with some complex carbohydrates, such as a peanut butter or lean turkey sandwich on whole grain bread or a handful of nuts, will maintain muscle, replenish glycogen stores (the main way the body stores glucose for later) and reduce the amount of fat your body stores.
You can also snack on foods rich in vitamin A like carrots, mangos, red peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach and eggs.This nutrient aids in producing white blood cells to help fight off infection, which can help when working out in a public facility where germs are inevitably passed along. Make an omelette filled with spinach, red peppers, grilled chicken or lean sausage and low-fat cheese for a perfect protein and Vitamin A rich post-workout meal.
