Eat carbs how long before workout

But complex carbohydrates like beans, lentils, whole grains and starchy vegetables will provide exercise fuel plus nutrients and fiber. Cohen recommends avoiding fat in your pre-workout meal because it slows down your digestion. But eating protein supports your muscles. The right proteins contain the amino acids your muscles need to complete that cellular rebuilding process. Complete protein packages include animal sources like chicken or lean beef, since they have all those amino acids, Cohen says.

But if you eat a variety of those food sources, you can skip the meat and still get all the amino acids you need, she adds. As for post-workout food, Cohen suggests eating or drinking more protein an hour or two after lifting weights for bodybuilders and athletes. According to Dr. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.

You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Carbs are the fuel. Protein is what rebuilds and repairs, but also "primes the pump" to make the right amino acids available for your muscles. Getting protein and carbs into your system is even more vital post workout. Your body uses stored energy glycogen in your muscles to power through your workout or game, but after that workout, you need to replenish the nutrients lost.

What to do? After a competition or workout, focus on getting carbs and protein into your body. This gives your muscles the ability to replenish the glycogen they just lost through training and helps your tired muscles rebuild and repair with the available protein and amino acids. Try to eat within an hour of completing an intense workout. The above offer mainly carbs, some protein and are convenient — with the first two liquid options also helping to rehydrate the body.