Proper nutrition is important in order to meet your nutritional needs. It can also enhance athletic performance and help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Health benefits of proper nutrition for exercise:
• Aids in recovery
• Boosts results
• Improves performance
• Provides energy
Tips to get the most out of exercise through nutrition
1. Eat to meet your nutritional needs: In order to get the most out of exercise and feel your best, it is crucial to ensure you are getting enough calories, macronutrients, micronutrients, and water.
2. Minimize processed foods: Processed foods tend to add excess calories, sodium, sugars, and unhealthy fats to your diet.
3. Replenish your electrolytes: Your body loses electrolytes when you sweat. Consuming electrolytes post-exercise can help to replenish any electrolytes that are lost.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day and before and during exercise.
What to Eat and When
Your optimal nutrient breakdown and the best timing to eat depends on a number of factors, including:
• The amount of time you spend exercising
• The type of exercise
• Your age, sex, and health status
• Your health and fitness goals
As a general rule of thumb, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institutes of Medicine recommends the following macronutrient breakdown for daily macronutrient intake.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. The body uses carbohydrates for fuel for moderate to high-intensity exercises. The general recommendation for daily carbohydrate consumption is 5 to 12 g/
kg of body weight, based on activity level It is recommended to consume carbohydrates one hour prior to
exercise if you are going to exercise for 60 minutes or longer. The table below outlines carbohydrate intake
based on type and duration of exercise.
| Recommended carbohydrate intake:
Loading, exercise, and recovery |
|||
| Event | Duration of exercise | Carbohydrate dose | Carbohydrate timing |
| Carbohydrate loading prior to sustained/intermittent exercise | >90 min | 10-12 g/kg of body weight/24 hr | 36-48 hr leading up to event |
| Pre-event fueling | >60 min | 1-4 g/kg of body weight | 1-4 hr pre-exercise |
| Brief exercise | <45 min | Not needed | |
| Sustained high intensity exercise | 45-75 min | Small amounts, including mouth rinse | During exercise |
| Endurance exercise (includes stop and start sports) | 1-2.5 hr | 30-60 g/hr | During exercise |
| Ultra-endurance exercise | >2.5 hr | Up to 90 g/hr | During exercise |
| Speedy refueling | <8 hours of recovery time between two fuel-demanding sessions | 1-1.2 g/kg/hr | For first 4 hours, then resume daily fuel needs |
Pre-workout snacks containing carbohydrates
• Apple
• Banana
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Greek yogurt with fruit
• Hummus and crackers
• Oatmeal and one scrambled egg
• Turkey sandwich on whole grain bread
Protein
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein can also be used by the body for energy
after carbohydrate stores have been depleted. Depending on activity level, you may require 1.2 to 2 g/kg of protein per day. It is best to distribute protein intake evenly throughout the day. Aim to have 20 to 40 g of protein (0.25 to 0.4 g/kg of body weight) every three to four hours. Ensure you consume a high-protein meal or snack immediately after or up to two hours post exercise.
Post-workout meals and snacks containing protein
• Chicken with rice and vegetables
• Fruit smoothie containing protein powder
• Salmon with sweet potatoes
• Scrambled eggs with toast
• Tuna and crackers
Water
Your body can lose several cups of water in 60 minutes or more of strenuous exercise. For this reason, it is important to ensure you are hydrating before, after, and during exercise. Use the color of your urine as an indicator of how hydrated you are; clear or pale yellow urine is a good sign that you are well hydrated.
Ensure you are staying hydrated by:
• Drinking water with every meal regardless of whether or not you will be exercising
• Drinking roughly 16 oz (2 cups) of water two hours before exercising
• Drinking water during and after exercise
The Science Based Nutrition ™ Service Includes:
- You will complete a symptom survey
- Your Provide us with your vitals, height, weight, and primary concerns
- Labcorp, Inc. draws blood and takes a hair sample to send to Doctor’s Data, Inc.
- Urine tests are done at home or in the lab and our stool test is done in the privacy of YOUR home.
- Make an appointment and receive your Comprehensive Analysis Report. (View Sample Report here.) A report of nutritional findings, meal-planning, and nutritional supplementation suggestions are discussed in person or on the phone.
Research by Fullscript
References
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