Exercising is the best way to get in shape, stay in shape, and have an overall good quality of life. However, it also requires an adequate nutritional regime. This does not mean you need to invest in expensive meals. Instead, you need to identify the kinds of nutrients are right for you and be consistent with your diet. ENU Nutrition discusses what the relationship between exercise and nutrition is and what foods are better before working out.

What is the Relationship Between Nutrition and Exercise?

Good, balanced nutrition feeds the body to keep it functioning correctly. Exercise can help people have an improved quality of life. When you combine training with a steady, nutritional diet, you can develop not only overall good health but a better physique. However, you cannot have without the other. For instance, to form a better physique, going to the gym is not enough. After an intense workout routine, the muscles in your body need repairing. A can of soda and a bag of chips is not the kind of fuel the body looks to feed the muscles.

Feeding your muscles require high-quality foods. This means consuming lean sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Many physicians and dietitians recommend obtaining these three lean sources of fuel from whole foods. This means, no matter how many times you train during the week, if you don’t exercise caution with what you eat, you may not be able to reach your goal – whether that is to look or feel better.

The marriage between healthy nutrition and a workout plan provide great benefits every person should take advantage of. Some of the benefits of combining a workout routine with balanced, nutritious meals are:

More Energy

The body needs to have the right fuel to stay active and energetic throughout the day. This means having healthy eating habits. But why healthy eating habits? The human body needs to have the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and other components to function correctly. Fast foods, trans fats, added sugars, and preservatives cannot provide the essential nutrients the body needs to keep your energy levels in check.

Fat Loss

Exercising and eating healthy is the perfect combination to get rid of excess fat. As you train and build muscle, your body will start burning more fat. If on top of exercising, you eat healthy whole foods, your body will get the nutrients it needs, and you will experience weight loss over time.

Improved Self-Esteem

Feeling better about ourselves is important. Many people suffer from low self-esteem because they don’t like their reflection on the mirror. The good news is you can change any negative perception of yourself by adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes exercising regularly, resting, and eating well. Incorporating these three elements into your life will help you feel better, look better, and more confident in all areas of your life.

These are only some examples of what you can achieve by combining an exercise routine with a healthy eating plan. Exercising and eating well will get you to your desired goals.

What Foods to Eat Before a Workout?

Knowing what to eat before a workout session is essential. Selecting the right nutrients will help you perform better throughout your training. Here are some of the best foods you can eat before working out:

Protein

There are multiple sources of protein you can choose from before exercising. However, you should be moderate in the quantity of protein you will eat before training and wait about half an hour to allow proper digestion. One of the best sources of protein you can eat before training is whey protein. You can find whey protein in products such as Greek yogurt, whey protein powders, and meal replacement shakes.

Carbs

Carbs are one of the body’s primary fuel sources. The body turns carbs into glucose which energizes the body. However, you should be careful with the kind of carbs you consume. For instance, there are good carbs and bad carbs. Good carbs are those providing energy for more extended periods of time. These include whole grain bread, green vegetables, and fresh fruits. Bad carbs are those providing no nutritional value and can turn into fat. Bad carbs include candy, sugary beverages, and sugared cereals.

Healthy Fats

Eating healthy fats is also part of balanced nutrition. While you should pay particular attention to your protein and carb intake, you should not discard eating healthy fats altogether. You can find good fats in products such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds. You should avoid any food containing saturated fats and trans fats as they add no nutritional value and can impact your body negatively.

Meal Replacement Shakes Providing Pre and Post Workout Nutrition

At ENU Nutrition we provide nothing but high-quality meal replacement shakes made out of healthy ingredients. Our proprietary blend of ultra-purified whey protein, non-GMO soy protein, natural carbs, and minerals and vitamins provide a satisfying, nutritious shake. To learn more about our meal replacement shakes and how they can help you with your dietary and workout regime, contact ENU online today.