Post by The Big PINK One♥ on Sept 30, 2010 21:02:03 GMT -5
From Teen Vogue
I've been trying--really!--to be more consistent about exercise lately. The hardest part for me isn't actually the workout itself, though. It's mustering the energy to schlep to the gym! With that in mind, I asked trainer Jay Cardiello for his top energy-boosting pre-workout snacks. Read on!
1. Honey. Quick Fact: Three tablespoons of honey is just as effective in helping sustain energy as drinking a bottle of your favorite sports drink. In fact, you would have to chug about a liter of that sports drink to get the same effect as just three spoons of honey. Also, honey is absorbed into your bloodstream faster and is much easier to digest than solid food, which makes it ideal for runners (during cardio sessions) or heading into your favorite class where you will require quick bursts of energy to make it through high-intensity workouts.
2. Bananas. Not only are they one of the best sources of potassium, but bananas contain magnesium, a great element that can aid in stimulating your protein metabolism as well as strengthening your immune system. Lastly, a banana is a great source of energy, which is imperative for an active and healthy lifestyle.
3. Water. Pre-workout hydration is just as important as any pre-workout solid food. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of fatigue and can lead to loss of coordination and strength. A good rule of thumb is to drink eight ounces of water for every fifteen minutes of exercise.
4. Yogurt. An eight-ounce low-fat serving of plain yogurt offers an energy kick to help you through a tough cardio or weight-training session. The reason: Yogurt is a great source of magnesium, which will help stimulate the enzymes that aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein.
