Have you upped your fitness game recently?
We will share the staples to stock up on for quick, healthy pre or post-workout meals and on-the-go snacks.
WHAT YOU EAT IS CRUCIAL FOR ACHIEVING YOUR FITNESS GOALS. Food needs to provide energy and the right nutrients for you to perform at your best, to build and maintain strong muscles, and to help you recover quickly after a workout.
If you’re planning a strenuous exercise session, aim to have easily-digestible, slow-release carbohydrates one to two hours beforehand, followed by a mixture of protein and carbohydrate shortly afterwards to aid muscle recovery and replenish diminished energy stores.
1. PORRIDGE OATS
Work out early in the morning? A bowl of porridge is the perfect post-exercise breakfast.
It can also make a good “emergency” supper on the odd occasion you come in really late from a workout and want to refuel quickly.
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you’ll need to choose oats that are suitable (not all varieties are gluten free).
2. NUT OR SEED BUTTERS
No added sugar or salt nut and seed butters are really useful jars to keep in the cupboard for a pre or post-exercise snack as are whole unsalted nuts and seeds.
3. OATCAKES
The no-fuss pre- or post workout snack, oatcakes provide carbs that can help you sustain energy levels during a workout or re-energize you once you’ve cooled down.
4. HIGH-PROTEIN PASTA
Pasta is known to be the go-to post-workout food for many.
5. CANNED SARDINES
These are a quick, inexpensive way to get a boost of fitness friendly nutrients.
6. BEANS AND PULSES
Unsalted cans of beans, lentils and chick peas are store cupboard saviors as they’re so quick to turn into a nutritious meal.
7. MIXED NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT
This combo makes a great on-the-go snack –ideal when you’re going straight from work to the gym, or need a post workout nibble to keep you going until lunch.
