Nutrition is the fuel for your body’s fitness. Eating food that consists of a well-balanced diet gives you the calories that you need to get through your day and complete your daily gym regime.

Whether you’re interested in powerlifting (more on this page), cycling, swimming, etc then you should know that eating the right food helps you to boost your performance during workouts.

Some may argue that reducing calorie intake can help lose body weight. But the research suggests that it may not be true.

Disadvantages of working out on an empty stomach

Some believe that there is no direct connection between your food intake and working out. Research has proven that the danger of running on an empty stomach far outweighs its benefits.

• Working out with an empty stomach particularly for high-intensity exercises might cause hypoglycaemia because the glycogen and blood glucose gets quickly depleted.
• Burning fat increases during a workout but without eating you may be losing your muscle instead of fat. This limits the duration of your exercise because of fatigue.

There are people who choose to go on a diet and workout at the same time. This should not discourage those who are cutting back on their food intake but rather work as a reminder to them that there should be a balance.

Cutting back on a ton of calories can leave you feeling exhausted and even sick. When you start feeling this, it means that you are not getting enough calories to function as a healthy person.

Nutrition and working out: how these two go together

• Eating breakfast should be the highlight of your day

Skipping breakfast can actually increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. A healthy meal to start the day replenishes your blood sugar which in turn powers up your muscles and brainpower. When you skip breakfast with a workout on your agenda, then you will feel lightheaded during the workout.

Choosing the right food to consume in the morning is essential. Do not just simply settle for carbohydrates in a bagel or even a doughnut. Invest in fiber-and protein-rich breakfast that will keep hunger at bay and yet provide energy for your workout. There are websites like heyspotmegirl out there that will help you maintain a healthy diet plan to follow so that you are eating properly even when doing workouts.

• Consume the right carbohydrates

If you are scared of carbohydrates because of the reputation that it makes you fat then you might be hesitant in eating even when working out. However, carbohydrates are the main source of energy in your body. About 45-65% of your calories come from carbohydrates which is what you will need when you exercise.

The point is not to avoid carbohydrates altogether but to consume the right ones.

Eat complex carbs that you can find in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. These types of food can fuel your body and also stabilise the levels of your blood sugar. In addition to that, these foods also have vitamins and minerals to help your body function well.

• Eating healthy consists of fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and fat but provide your body with a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The more colourful your plate is, the healthier your body gets. Instead of eating junk foods during a workout, you can make snacks from dried fruits and raw vegetables which also boosts your energy.

Bananas are filled with potassium and magnesium, providing natural sugars to your workout. Berries, grapes, and oranges, are great quick energy boosts. They also help you stay hydrated. Nuts, on the other hand, are also a great source of protein and nutrients.

Conclusion

Like with everything, the key is balance. Working out is good, as long as it is paired with proper nutrition. Find the right food that will fuel your body.

Aim to eat breakfast in the morning, as the most important meal of the day, it should be part of your daily routine. Choose complex carbohydrates, mixed with protein, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. The right balance of all these foods at the right time (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will fuel your workout routine and at the same time keep you healthy and fit.