The Best Foods To Eat Before Running On A Treadmill

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Diet and fitness go hand in hand. If you want to be able to make the most of your workout sessions, then it is important to eat properly. Your foods should give you: hydration, muscle building power and energy. But what are the best foods to eat to build muscle and give you energy? Read on to find out.

Protein: An Essential for Muscle Building

Eating a high protein meal or snack before a workout will help your muscles to grow as much as possible. This is because muscles are mainly made up of protein. Lean meat, tofu and pulses are all good protein sources, as are eggs, chia pudding and milks (including nut and soya milks). Protein shakes can be a good idea, though it is best to choose shakes that contain natural ingredients. If you are lactose intolerant or vegan, then pea protein is a great alternative to whey protein when you are working out.

Carbohydrates for Slow Burn Energy

Granary bread, pasta and bananas will provide you with slow release energy that will help to keep you going through a long session on a treadmill. If you do not have the ability, or the inclination, to run for a long time out of doors or in the gym, then a home treadmill is the perfect alternative. Simply check out http://www.hirefitness.co.uk/ for ways to hire a treadmill for your home (there is also an Irish site here – http://www.hire-fitness.ie/.) Carbohydrates such as these will also provide you with slow release sugars to stop you from feeling dizzy or faint.

What to Drink

Staying hydrated is so important when you are exercising. So, make sure to keep a cup or bottle of water beside your treadmill or yoga mat – or carry one with you as you run. If choosing the latter option, you can purchase special belts or armbands for carrying your water, with long tubes that let you take a sip without slowing your pace.

Studies have shown, moreover, that having a cup of coffee 20 minutes before a workout helps to increase the effectiveness of that workout, as the caffeine helps you to feel more alert and motivated. So, that is another thing to try. Just make sure to counteract the dehydrating effect of the caffeine with a glass of water.