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Eat beforehand
Intense exercise requires some fuel in the morning. Muscles are in a catabolic state and need to be fired
up to run well.
What to eat?
Athletes should consume half of their needed breakfast calories. Depending on the window of time
before the workout, athletes may consume more or less calories.
If the athlete starts a workout within an hour of rising in the morning, I suggest a liquid caloric meal
including good protein, carbohydrate and a little healthy fat.
Liquid: shakes with 20-30g of whey protein powder, oats, blueberries, flaxseed and medium chain
triglyceride oils to boost metabolic rate.
Solid: 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter on a slice of whole wheat bread with a glass of almond milk.
These foods are slow to digest, make you feel sluggish and could cause stomach distress.
Yes!
About 1 hour into the workout, start sipping on a good combination of carbohydrates and protein. Some
athletes prefer solid nutrition instead of liquid.
Minimizes the amount of muscle tissue the body is utilizing in the workout.
Keep the gas tank half full.
Some athletes do not feel well consuming nutrition during the workout. That’s okay, as long as they are
getting enough calories before and immediately after the workout so they don’t sacrifice tissue.
About an hour into the workout, start consuming nutrition either in solid or liquid form.
To minimize muscle recovery time, consume carbohydrate and protein in a 3:1 ratio within 60 minutes
post-workout.
Protein will minimize the body’s ability to burn protein and muscle during the workout, so we’re not
extremely catabolic, and speeds the recovery process later in the day.
Accelerade, Endurox, Surge Recovery are a few that I have used with athletes.
Look for drinks with Leucine, branched chain amino acids and glutamine.
Leucine is a key amino acid that helps post workout anabolism. It increases muscle protein synthesis or
the rebuilding of tissue after it is broken down. I suggest 3-8g post workout, but 5g is sufficient.
Summary
Figure out what works for you.
Have a plan!