What should I eat before and after a Personal Training session?
You’ve chosen your Personal Trainer and can’t wait to get going on your first session. You’ve been out and bought all of the gear, but what should you be eating pre and post workout?
Answer: What you eat before and after your sessions with a Personal Trainer will directly impact your performance in the gym, and your recovery afterwards. It is important to make the right nutritional choices to compliment your exercise sessions, and this means choosing the right meals, at the right times.
Whilst its true that you don’t want to consume anything too heavy that will leave you feeling full and lethargic before you train, you should still make sure to fuel yourself adequately for the session ahead. Give yourself the best possible chance of a motivated workout by eating around an hour before you train. Eating proteins or complex carbohydrates will provide more balanced energy levels, but some people prefer to eat fruit or simple carbs for a quicker boost.
Chicken, fish, salads, fruits and pasta are all reasonable options for a pre workout meal. Even on diets where people may be limiting their carbohydrate intake, some carbs should still be consumed since they are broken down by the body into Glycogen and fuel muscles during periods of physical activity.
Ultimately, your pre workout meal will depend on your own diet, work schedule and what is practical. Some people prefer scrambled egg or an omelette because it’s a good source of protein and helps you to feel fuller for longer, without weighing you down in the gym, whilst fruit is the first choice for others due to the fact that it is convenient to prepare and can even be eaten in the changing room beforehand if you are running late. Experiment for yourself, and see what works best for you.
Post workout, its all about giving your body the proper nutrients it requires for an efficient recovery. Immediately following your workout, try supplementing with a protein shake to help repair muscle fibres and potentially ease soreness. Shortly after, within an hour if possible, eat a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Try eating non-processed foods and cook from scratch where possible as this will give you greater control of salt and sugar levels within your meal.
Eating beneficial foods before and after a workout will play a significant role in your motivation and recovery, so take the time to get your nutrition on point, and reap the rewards.
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