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.