This post is part of the Soy Simple campaign. Read my disclosure here.
When I first started working out seriously as an adult, it was to lose weight. While I wasn’t otherwise counting calories, the idea of either eating something right before or after a tough workout seemed counterintuitive to me. (Although studies have shown that a morning workout before you eat can actually help with weight loss.)
I also was likely to not eat before a morning workout so that I could sleep, rather than wake up earlier and wait for something to digest before working out.
Then I started running and realized what a strong tie what you ate had to your athletic performance. And that it gave you a reason to call your food “fuel” and sound all intense and serious.
I usually have have a bar (and a banana) before a long run because of the combination of (soy) protein and carbs. Why is protein so important for workouts?
It…
…helps you build muscle.
…promotes muscle recovery through amino acids and antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce stress caused by free radicals produced during exercise that contribute to muscle fatigue.
…provides energy for muscles while working out
Consuming protein after a workout is incredibly important to repair the tiny muscle tears you’re creating while exercising. I often go for a smoothie with protein powder after a workout so I can get some protein in, even if I’m not craving solid food. (Which, for as much as I love food, happens more often than I ever thought would.)
Tofu cream cheese is a new favorite way to get my protein and carbs in after a workout.
What do you use to fuel your workout? Leave a comment below by November 20, and you could win a $50 gift card to Sports Authority!
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I realized the hard way a few times that I MUST eat before a run that's longer than 3 miles, even though I exercise in the AM before my stomach should be awake. If I'm going for a short run (3-6miles) I'll eat a 50-100 calorie snack like a banana, part of a cliff bar, 1/2 a piece of wheat bread, etc. If I'm running 6+ miles I'll have a slice of wheat toast with a little bit of peanut butter (too much doesn't digest well) and a banana depending on distance. I of course fuel during and after my run as well :-) Still trying to figure out what works best for me during a longer run (over 12miles) because just Gu/gel/sports beans doesn't do it for me after a couple of hours.
if it's a long run, i'm like you - grab a bar, and i'm good to go!
I usually have something very light before a workout: plain yogurt and fruit or a 1/2 piece of toast and cream cheese. After, I like 2 scrambled eggs with veggies or 1/2 c oatmeal with an egg white or two in it.
1/2 a piece of toast w/ almond butter & 1/2 a glass of juice!
I usually have a Kashi bar. It's the same thing that I have for breakfast every day. It's usually enough for me. I'm allergic to some tofu and other soy products. It's weird that it's not across the board soy and tofu products. I think it's some kind of additive. I just haven't figured out what that additive is, just yet.
I usually fuel with an apple or a cliff, Luna, or zbar
Caffeine! Just kidding...well, at least half kidding. My favorite pre-workout snack is a banana with nut butter.
I am terrified of eating before a run, as I sometimes struggle with painful cramps. Although, if I'm trying to hold off hunger before a later morning run, sometimes a few saltines do the trick.
Post run -- nothing tastes better to me than a big, gooey bagel with cream cheese and a nice hot coffee. Yum!
lately it's been a banana or apple with peanut butter or a luna bar
I'm a morning workout person, so I prefer to have something small that still allows me to have a real breakfast post workout. The best things for this (for me) are a banana or 2 dates. The sugars really give me the boost I need! A cup of coffee works wonders, too.