FUEL STRENGTH TRAINING WORKOUTS
It is important to fuel the body both before and after strength training exercise. Carbohydrates and protein are key players in gearing up for workouts and repairing muscle tissue, respectively. You may think that protein is the primary fuel for muscular work, but it is actually carbohydrates that make your muscles fire while protein is best saved for recovery. Protein is difficult to digest during exercise and can lead to GI upset, which can impact performance. In fact, your body does not use amino acids for energy during strength training, which means that protein intake is not necessary during a training session. Stick to water and electrolytes when you’re at the gym. The goal here is to provide the body with the right nutrients before and after exercise to promote lean muscle gains. Check out the recipes below for ideas about how to fuel for strength training exercise.
