HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR WORKOUTS

If you don’t always have time to make it to the gym more than once or twice a week (like me!), then you certainly want to make each session count! Here are some tips on what to eat before lifting weights:

 

When looking to get the most out of your weights session it is best not to eat a large meal before training. If you eat a big meal before working out, blood is sent to your digestive track to help process the meal instead of to your extremities. Try to eat a large meal several hours before working out and just eat a snack in the hour before gym time!

 

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, you should also stay away from carbs in your pre-gym meal. Eating carbohydrates raises your insulin levels, resulting in less fat-burning during your workouts. Not eating carbs also helps your Central Nervous System (CNS) to run more efficiently, and this translates to increased strength during workouts!

 

So we know what not to eat but what should we eat!? Well when we workout we start breaking down our muscles (this is an inevitable part of the muscle building process). However to minimise the amount of muscle loss that occurs, having a small serving of protein can be very helpful. And for extra energy during your workout eating a small amount of fat is a good idea too. Nuts are a great source of both protein and healthy fats so make for an excellent pre-gym snack! If you want to further increase the fat-burning effects of your workout try having a few grams of MCT’s prior to your session combined with a healthy protein source (e.g. protein powder or a can of tuna).

 

Finally, caffeine has been shown time and time again to have positive effects on a weight training session as it activates your CNS and helps you remain focused. So don’t be 'afraid' to grab a black coffee (carb-free) before your squat session!