Foods to Fuel Your Workout
by Robin Davidson for MD Anderson Cancer Center
So you've committed to an exercise program! Good for you!
But did you know that you can boost your results and energy level with just a few simple changes in your diet?
Experts recommend fueling up within two to four hours of a workout. And it's the fuels you use that determine how much your body benefits from your workout.
By eating the right foods before and after you exercise, you'll give yourself the energy your body needs to keep going before, during and after each workout. Even better: choosing these "power" foods can help keep your weight in check to curb your chances of cancer.
Fuel up, don't fill up
Squeezing your workout in during the wee hours? Remember, even early bird exercisers need fuel. Keep it simple with a small banana, a slice of whole wheat toast or a small cup of protein-packed Greek yogurt 20 minutes prior to working out.
Breakfast eaters should choose complex carbohydrates like those found naturally in whole grains. Whole grains contain fiber, which may lower your chances of developing colorectal cancer. Plus, these cholesterol-lowering carbs break down slowly to keep blood sugar levels steady.
A bowl of low-fat steel cut oatmeal with a sprinkle of cinnamon provides filling fiber while keeping energy levels constant. Top your oatmeal with fresh berries to fill up on cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Eat lean to be lean
Are you an afternoon exerciser?
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