Why is it Important to Eat Before Exercising?

Exercising and working out is very important. This is not just so that you can lose weight and fit into your new pair of jeans. Exercising is also vital for positive health! Working out and exercising help prevent Diseases, strengthens and tones your body, enhances your flexibility, improves your stamina, and keeps you in a routine, hence even improving the quality of your life!

However, exercising can be very tiring and energy consuming. After a good work out, you may just become so exhausted, and incapable of doing anything else. Now this is a problem - especially if you have to go to work afterwards. Moreover, exercise is something that is meant to leave you energized!  Therefore, eating food before exercise is important as this is what fuels the body, and provides it with the energy it needs in order to exercise. It is worth noting that it is important to consume the right kind of food, those which provide energy and the proper nutrients for the body. Also it is important to consume this food two, to three hours before the time of your exercise or work out time. This is because it takes time for food to be digested; therefore there will be less risk of you experiencing headaches, nausea, dizziness, and exhaustion.

Foods to Eat Before Exercising

Here is a list of those foods that should be consumed before exercise to ensure a productive work out!

Oatmeal

A breakfast with oatmeal can do you wonders! Not only is this breakfast treat low fat, but it is also a good work out food! Oatmeal is one food that settles well in the stomach and also provides adequate energy! Adding energy providing fruits will make this an ideal work out food!

Bananas

These yummy yellow treats are also an ideal pre exercise food! Bananas are filled with sugar and starch which make them the perfect energy boosting food! Try adding this wonder fruit to your oatmeal or even eat it whole! Having just one banana is said to be more than enough to last you the entire work out session!

Legumes!

Legumes are also an excellent work out food as various kinds of legumes are high in protein, carbs and energy! However legumes are also known for their ability to cause gas, therefore it is important to consume in moderation otherwise you will experience gas pain in the middle of your work out! Beans and lentil are excellent for your pre exercise food!

Peanut Butter!

If you are not allergic to peanut butter then even this is an excellent quick work out food! Just spread it on butter and your good to go. However make sure you are having it with a whole grain bread or bagel!

Brown Rice with Chicken!

At this point you may be a little perplexed, but it is true. The combination of brown rice with chicken is an excellent pre exercise food! Especially if you exercise after lunch! Even though this meal may be bland, it still offers a healthy dose of protein and carbohydrates.

Eggs and Cheese!

Eggs and low fat cheese are both easy on the stomach and provide you with all the nutrients and energy you need for a healthy and fun exercise session! You can have your eggs in the form of boiled, or even scrambled with the low fat cheese! Or you can spread your cheese on a bagel and enjoy!

Protein Shakes!

These shakes may not sound all that appealing, but don’t be quick to judge! You may have heard about these shakes if you are a regular gym person! This is because in the world of exercise and working out, protein shakes are very important. This importance is due to the fact that protein is vital for healthy bones and muscles. However these protein shakes are advised to those who do not consume the required daily dose of protein, therefore it is wise to first consult a doctor of what amounts of protein is needed for you, as too much protein in the form of protein shake can result in kidney damage!

Sources:
About.com: Energy, Food and Exercise: sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportsnutrition/a/EatForExercise.htm
Healthusnews: Best Workout Foods: What to Eat Before a Workout: /2011/10/13/best-workout-foods-what-to-eat-before-a-workout