We’ve all heard that your diet is just as important (if not more so) as a regular workout schedule. Whether you’re trying to cut weight or bulk up, good nutrition is the key to realizing your ideal results, but many people struggle with how to eat before and after workouts.
You will hear people talk about fasting before the gym, however this can be counterproductive and even dangerous at times. Little to no food an hour before working is not necessarily a cause for concern, however you will begin to feel fatigued quicker than normal.
That being said, if you have irregular eating habits and tend to skip meals, working out on an empty stomach can lead to loss of muscle mass, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. As well, some people attempting to lose weight tend to eat much less and work out much more, but again this is counterproductive and dangerous. Your body begins to burn muscle tissue and even organ tissue, which can obviously lead to long-term health issues.
Chris Pratt, who made his dramatic transformation from Andy Dwyer to Star-Lord, can attest to this statement as well, saying “I actually lost weight by eating more food, but eating the right food, eating healthy foods, and so when I was done with the movie my body hadn’t been in starvation mode.”
The best way to avoid these eating problems is to plan out meals. Eat four (small to medium sized) meals a day with frequent snacks throughout, making sure to take in a good mix of protein, unsaturated fat, and carbohydrates.
A good diet, eating a nutritious meal/snack about an hour before a workout, and consistency in your routine will lead to those killer results you’re looking for!
Still struggling with what to eat? Check out these foods made for building muscle!