Maximize your Workout with the Right Foods

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I recently came upon an article that informed me of the ‘type’ of carbohydrates you should consume before a workout and the type to consume after a workout. I never knew there were types of carbs and I definitely didn’t know you were supposed to eat them before a workout.

The type of calories a person consumes during a pre-workout meal can increase the amount of fat burned off during exercise. If women eat carbs for breakfast that don’t spike blood sugar in the body, they can burn 50% more fat in a post-breakfast workout than those who eat carbs during breakfast that do spike blood sugar. The reason could be that these carbs boost the use of fat for energy rather than sugar.

Carbs that do not spike blood sugar, also known as low-glycemic index carbs, include:

-Whole Grains
-High Bran Cereal
-Course Whole Grain Cereal
-Course Oatmeal
-Most Vegetables
-Pasta
-Sweet Potatoes
-Yams
-Lima Beans
-Kidney Beans
-Chick-peas
-Skim or 1% milk
-Low-fat Yogurt
-Cottage Cheese
-Most Fruit and Natural Juices
-Egg Substitutes
-White Meats without Skin; i.e. Chicken, Turkey
-White Fish; i.e. Cod, Tuna
-Soy

As well as others…

It has also been suggested that eating a low-carb lunch sometime after the workout is better for controlling weight, also.

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Kacie Irby View Profile

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.