Most Important Meals

While many people may not realize it, your diet is the single most important component of successful strength training and overall fitness. As food provides our bodies with the energy that promotes muscle growth and recovery, your breakfast and pre and post-workout meals are the most critical times for your body to take-in the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. A pre-workout meal should consist of mostly complex carbohydrates, including brown rice, potatoes and oatmeal, which are slow-burning and provide long-lasting energy. Low-digesting proteins such as casein protein or lean meat will also stay with you throughout your workout and into a recovery period, providing your body with the amino acids that are the building blocks of muscle. For a post-workout meal, look towards your favorite green vegetable and other proteins and good fats. I recommend a protein shake with all-natural peanut butter. Nuts like almonds are also great, along with grilled chicken or any low-mercury fish, which are each significant sources of protein. And as most of you already know, beginning your day with a hearty breakfast is just as important as opening or closing out your workout with complex carbs and lean protein. Egg whites, skim milk, and oatmeal with cinnamon and almond butter are all high-energy, low-calorie options to help kick your metabolism into gear to start off the morning.