As well as eating healthy, exercise is also needed to maintain ample mental and physical health. There are those trying to keep fit and those training for an event such as a marathon. It is important to note, that it is not only what we eat just before exercise that is important, but what foods we eat on a regular basis. Eating the right foods can maintain the edge for that workout or triathlon.
Which Foods Should I Eat and Which Should I Avoid? Do I Choose Drinks, Powders or Real Food?
The trick is real food will always do the trick. Do we need those fancy sports drinks with those bright colours. Some might say yes, I say, only when there is nothing else around. The ideal exercise food should consist of the following:
- Low in fat
- Moderate in protein and carbohydrates
- Low in fiber
- Contains fluids
- Made up of foods we know our bodies can tolerate. For example, if we know we are gluten intolerant, don’t try a turkey sandwich with gluten bread just before that big game or marathon.
Fluids or no Fluids?
Research shows that keeping our bodies hydrated improves our performance. Without sufficiently hydrating our bodies during exercise, our bodies can reach dangerously high temperatures. This is because water can act as our cooling system. A very easy and simple way of measuring our hydration levels is to check our urine. If it is very yellow in colour, our bodies are dehydrated. Should the urine be a very light, almost straw colour, we have done well with the hydration.
Water is great for recreational exercises. However for the more strenuous exercise routine, sports drinks are a good idea. Coconut water contains potassium which is a much needed electrolyte when it comes to exercising. Commercially made sports drinks are a great idea in theory, however, are highly processed and contain an abundance of sugar. Try this much more nutritious and cheaper recipe:
Healthy Sports Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup orange juice (not concentrate)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, but flavor will be weaker)*
- 3 1/2 cups cold water
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar and salt in the hot water at the bottom of a pitcher.
- Add the juice and the cold water;
- Chill.
- Quench that thirst!
Should you require more information on Eating for Exercise, please do not hesitate to contact your nutritionist or naturopath.
Recipe courtesy of momsTeam.
Originally published on Mar 17, 2014
