Whether you’re an avid fitness enthusiast or you just got a new health club membership, how and what you eat has a big effect on the efficiency of an exercise routine. If you’re looking to increase your energy, stamina, and motivation, check out the following diet tips for maximizing a workout.

Workout-Enhancing Diet Tips

1. Eat Breakfast Early

In addition to being well-fueled for a workout, you also need to allow enough time for digestion. This means that if you like to exercise in the morning, you should finish breakfast at least one hour before hitting the health club. Otherwise, you might experience bloating, get cramps, or feel heavy and sluggish. Eat a meal that features a balance of fats, carbs, and protein, such as whole grain toast, a banana, and a hard-boiled egg. 

2. Avoid Certain Foods

In addition to giving your body enough time to digest before a workout, it’s important to pay attention to the kinds of food you eat pre-exercise. Avoid belly-bloating items such as beans, raw broccoli, and dairy — while healthy, they tend to give people gas and could cause discomfort when you’re at the health club. The same goes for heavy foods and ones that are creamy, fried, or spicy. You should also steer clear of salty snacks, as they can cause dehydration and bring on headaches or cramps. 

3. Eat After You Exercise

It’s equally as important to eat after you exercise, as your body and muscles need nutrients to replenish depleted energy levels. Most experts say you should eat a meal that contains both carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes to 2 hours of a workout. Tasty post-workout snacks include smoothies, graham crackers with peanut butter, veggie omelets with avocado, and turkey slices and veggies on whole-grain bread. Not eating after a trip to the health club can leave you feeling lethargic and foggy, as well as make your body more prone to injury.

If you’re looking for a local health club to help you reach new fitness goals, get in touch with LifeSport Athletic Club today. With locations in Libertyville and Lincolnshire, IL, they offer an array of workout and exercise activities, including on-site fitness centers, functional training, personal training, and tennis instruction. Visit their website to learn more about their fitness classes, and call (847) 913-2000 to speak with a friendly representative.