There’s no doubt that the best way to stay healthy is by staying active. And there are plenty of ways you can do this, for example, by going for a walk with your dog or joining a yoga class.
But if you’re looking for something more intense and in-depth, then perhaps you should consider going to the gym.
However, it can be difficult to stay motivated on those days when you’re just not feeling it. That’s why we’ve put together some of our favorite food and drink ideas from Pinterest that might help you get through long sessions at the gym. From nutritious snacks to thirst-quenching drinks, here are some great options for eating and drinking before, during, and after your workout.
The Importance of Exercise
If you want to be healthy and live a long, happy life, you need to stay active. Of course, one of the best ways to do this is by going to the gym. But it can be hard to get through those long sessions on days when you’re feeling exhausted and unmotivated.
That’s why we put together some of our favorite food and drink ideas that might help keep you energized before, during, and after your workout. From nutritious snacks to thirst-quenching drinks, here are some great options for eating and drinking before, during, and after your workout.
Exercise is an essential component of living a healthy lifestyle regardless of your goals (whether they be weight loss or muscle building). Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to maintain a healthy weight. And if you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle? Then that number shoots up even higher! To put it into perspective: 175 pounds of fat equals 27 hours of exercise at a vigorous pace every week (or 13 hours every day!). So it’s worth it, right?
Healthy Options for the Gym
Whether you’re looking for something to eat or drink before your workout, during your workout, or after your workout, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite healthy options.
– If you’re looking for a light snack before your workout, try eating a banana with peanut butter.
– If you’re looking for something a little more substantial before your workout, try making a smoothie with almond milk and protein powder.
– If you want something that will provide energy while you work out, try drinking an iced coffee or green tea.
– Drink water often if you want to stay hydrated on the treadmill.
– Before your next class or training session, try drinking a glass of water when you wake up in the morning. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps to hydrate your body and ensures that it has enough energy throughout the day. And when it comes time for your post-workout meal, consider rewarding yourself with healthy food like broccoli and grilled chicken noodle soup.
Running Out of Fuel at the Gym
One of the toughest parts of any workout is running out of fuel. And that’s why you should pack a few healthy snacks in your bag before you head to the gym. Nuts, seeds, and even fruit are some easy-to-pack options. If you have a little more room in your bag, consider adding some vegetables.
Another option for refueling during your session is to drink plenty of fluids. There are plenty of options available, from water to energy drinks, at the store. If you need an alternative to water for rehydrating, opt for something with added electrolytes like coconut water or seltzer water with cucumbers and lemon. These drinks can also provide that extra boost of energy you need during those intense sessions at the gym.
Finally, after your workout, it’s essential to replenish your body with a healthy meal or snack to recover properly. Consider eating whole grains or gluten-free oats with a dollop of peanut butter on top and almond butter and bananas if you’re vegan. Or, if you prefer something cold and refreshing, go for a smoothie bowl made from protein powder, fruits like strawberries and blueberries, yogurt, and ice cubes!
Lifting Weights, Eating, and Drinking
One of the easiest ways to stay motivated is fueling your body with food and drink that will help you power through those long workout sessions. Think about what you eat before a workout, during your break time, and after a session.
Take some time to think about what you usually consume before, during, and after a workout. For example, if you’ve been eating mainly carbs throughout the day but crave protein afterward, consider changing things up to get more protein in your diet. If you’re not getting enough fluids before your workout, try adding some water or coconut water to your routine. And if it doesn’t affect how hydrated you are, try drinking coffee or tea before or during workouts to keep yourself alert.
Staying Hydrated
Coconut water is a great drink to have when you’re at the gym because it can help replenish your electrolytes after a long workout. Not sure what electrolytes are? They’re the minerals in your body that are responsible for maintaining specific balances and those that travel around to create an electric current like sodium and potassium. When you sweat, you lose these precious electrolytes, so drinking coconut water can help restore them back to their normal levels.
Fruit infusions are another great option as they deliver hydration and offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while boosting your immune system. Generally speaking, fruit infusions are made by steeping fruit in hot water or milk before adding sugar if desired; this will bring out the flavor of the fruit even more.
You can also make a delicious raspberry-infused tea by boiling raspberries with water before turning off the heat and letting them steep for five minutes. Then strain and add honey or lemon juice if desired.
Conclusion
Exercise can be tough, but equip yourself with healthy food and drink options to help you get through your workout. So pack a pre-workout snack, bring a water bottle, and check out these healthy options for the gym. You’ll be glad you did!
The Fabulous Taste 