Exercise is an important factor to live a healthy lifestyle. However, ‘healthy’ exercise won’t be so healthy without the proper nutrition that is essential to your body. So what should you eat before and after working out?

Carbohydrates

Before and after a workout, it is essential to eat healthy carbohydrates. When exercising, your body burns a lot of carbohydrates, which is the main energy source for your muscles, so it is essential to eat carbohydrates before, during, and after exercising, according to heart.org.

Whole Grain Cereal

Whole grain cereal is one healthy carbohydrate you can stock up on before your workout. Some examples of whole grain cereal are, Kashi and Cheerios.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables is another healthy carbohydrate you might eat before a workout. Fruits and vegetables that are unprocessed tend to be the best kind to eat.

Low-fat or Nonfat Yogurt

Low-fat or nonfat yogurt is a great source of healthy carbohydrates. Almost any brand of yogurt sells a light or nonfat version of yogurt, such as Yoplait Light, or Dannon’s Light and Fit yogurt.

Water
Water is a no brainer when it comes to healthy exercise. Before exercising, it is essential to hydrate with plenty of water to stay fueled. You should also drink plenty of water during your workout and after. After exercising, it might be ideal to blend your water with 100% juice. Blending can provide fluids, carbohydrates, and potassium. After your workout, it is ideal to drink about 16-20 ounces of fluids; according to sparkpeople.com.

Protein

Protein is important to refuel on after your workout. However, try to avoid protein and saturated fats before your workout; because they tend to digest slower, causing it to take away oxygen and blood that would go to your muscles; according to heart.org

Whole Wheat Pita and Hummus

Whole wheat pita bread and hummus is an excellent source of both protein and carbohydrates to eat after a workout. While the hummus provides a great source of both protein and carbohydrates, the whole wheat pita provides slow-releasing energy; according to fitnessmagazine.com