Fuel for the Machine....Simply

Think of your body as a machine. If you’re going to put the time into the upkeep, meaning getting in the workouts, then make the most of it and fuel your machine properly. In general, most people are not performance athletes, yet most things we hear about how to fuel ourselves for workouts are geared toward athletes. Take fitness water for instance. The average person is not going to exercise for the 2 hour duration it would require to make needing the fitness water necessary. What do you need then? Aaahhhh...good question.
In general, most of our performance needs can be met with a light meal about 2 hours before your exercise routine. If it is a bigger meal(Sunday dinner at Grandma’s) go for 4 hours before trying to work it off! As far as meal suggestions...keep it simple. Fuel comes from carbohydrates, so I am proud to say I am a whole wheat pasta girl. Add some tomatoes, green olives and a little olive oil..fresh, light and simple! Some other favorites, egg whites, avocado & salsa with a whole wheat toast side. To make sure we cover all the bases...add in to every meal veggies and fruits..mixed it up and go with local and seasonal.
As for after the blood, sweat and tears...or a really good circuit workout, there is a lot of evidence that eating carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes will help your bodies recovery time. There’s a lot of math involved for the actual calculations to determine the exact amounts of carbs and proteins you should have...but truly, in an effort to keep wellness simple shoot for things like bananas, peanut butter, whole wheat crackers or yogurt. Do I hear banana yogurt smoothie with blueberries and mango? I certainly can make it for lunch.
Until next time be well...