When it comes to working out, your nutrition choices can help or hinder your workouts. And if you believe the wrong myths, you may be wasting precious energy and not losing the weight you would like to.
I have four myths to bust. Are you ready?!
Myth 1 is very popular: You Should Avoid Carbs to Lose Weight
Carbs are important when you’re working out because your liver and muscles rely on them for quick energy. If you don’t eat enough healthy carbs, your performance and progress will suffer.
Myth 2: All Protein Bars Are a Good Source of Protein
Many protein bars are high in calories and contain less than 5 grams of protein. They often have more sugar than your typical candy bar. So they’re not a healthy option if you’re looking for muscle-building protein.
Myth 3: You Should Eat Immediately After You Leave the Gym to Recover Properly
The latest research finds the post-exercise window where you eat protein to help build muscle is longer than originally thought – up to several hours after your workout. So you can eat regular meals and not consume more calories than you actually need.
Myth 4: Fasting Exercise Burns More Fat
If you exercise first thing the morning before you eat, you’re likely going to burn less calories because you can’t work out at higher intensities. That’s because your body is running on fat instead of getting its energy from carbs.
It’s important to eat right as it helps energize your workout. So here we go with my prescriptions.
Partha’s RX:
1. Fuel your body with healthy unprocessed carbs. Try quinoa, fruits, vegetables, oats, and whole-wheat bread.
2 . When choosing protein to help your muscles recover and grow, good options are hard-boiled eggs, lean turkey or my favorite – a glass of chocolate milk.
3. If you exercise first thing in the morning, eat a carb-rich snack like as a banana and peanut butter before your workout. That way your body has what it needs for you to exercise at higher intensities.
4. Don't forget fluids before, during and after exercise. Water is a good option and helps prevent dehydration.
Please don’t replace healthy carbs with simple carbs. You want to stay away from white pasta, baked goods, candy and sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice. They have a lot of added sugars and just aren’t good for you.
