A well-planned workout begins and ends the same way: with eating the right foods. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. How you fuel and refuel before and after exercise helps determine the actual fitness-building benefit of the session. That’s true whether you’re lifting weights, running miles or swimming laps, too. So how can you maximize the effort that goes into spilling every drop of sweat? Let’s find out with sports dietitian Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CCSD, LD. One question comes up repeatedly when it comes to food and workouts: Is it better to eat before or after a training session? That’s a tough one to answer, and Click here’s why: They’re both important, says Patton. Munching before exercising provides your body with the energy it needs to power through the session. Chowing down afterward helps with recovery. Not just any old fuel will do, Prime Boosts though.

It’s important to put the right stuff in your tummy tank. Foods rich in carbohydrates and protein provide the nutritional building blocks your hard-working body needs. "Carbs supply the energy to carry you through your workout," says Patton. Together, they form a mighty one-two punch that would gain a CrossFit instructor’s approval. Timing, though, is key. You wouldn’t start a road trip without gassing up the car, right? The same principle applies to preparing your body for exercise. "You don’t want to start on empty," says Patton. Your plate should feature carbohydrates and a moderate amount of lean protein. Limit fats and fiber, which digest more slowly and can upset your stomach while bouncing around during a workout. The closer you get to exercise time, the less you want to gobble down to avoid belly issues during the activity, says Patton. Think more along the lines of a snack than an actual meal.

"Everybody is different, though," says Patton. What about early morning exercise? If you’re waking up and working out, loading up with a meal a few hours ahead of time isn’t exactly an option. Unless you want to set your alarm clock for 2 a.m., of course… "When you wake up, your blood sugar is at your lowest," says Patton. Consider the intensity of your workout, too. If it’s an easy-going, 30-minute session, Prime Boosts Pills you may be able to get away with skipping a pre-workout snack. "But if you’re going for an hour or more, you really should get something to eat," says Patton. Working out on an empty stomach also could cost you what you’re trying to build - namely, muscle. It’s beneficial to have some protein, the