As we’ve found ourselves working from home and self-distancing, it’s important now more than ever to put your health first. That includes eating immune-boosting foods, taking your vitamins, and resting.<\/p>\n
However, maintaining a regular routine is the true gem in getting us through while we’re all staying at home. If working out is a part of your normal daily regimen, start with consuming nutritious foods.<\/p>\n
We don\u2019t want to bog you down with tricky recipes and overdone fads (no, you shouldn’t be drinking your weight in celery juice). Instead, we\u2019re setting the table with foods that will help you maximize your efforts during your workouts<\/a> as well as aid in the recovery process.<\/p>\n P.S. FabFitFunTV<\/a> features tons of at-home HIIT<\/a>, yoga<\/a>, and dance workouts<\/a> you can do in the comfort of your own home, available to everyone. You can also find new dishes<\/a> to try or new drinks to mix up<\/a>. Don’t forget to carve out time to focus on your physical and mental well-being at home.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a look at time<\/strong> Lean protein<\/strong> Eggs<\/strong> Whole grain bread<\/strong> Brown rice<\/strong> Bananas<\/strong> Oats<\/strong> Sweet potato<\/strong> Greek yogurt and dried fruits<\/strong> Bone broth<\/strong> Water<\/strong>
\nBefore you start munching on your pre-workout snack<\/a>, know that timing is everything. \u201cIf you\u2019re working out later in the day, it would be ideal to eat a small meal about two hours before your workout, giving your body ample time to digest a meal before your workout,\u201d says Amanda Carneiro<\/a>, a certified fitness nutritionist, and founder of Raw Fitness and Nutrition<\/a>. \u201cThis can be a mix of good fats, proteins, or carbohydrates.\u201d If you\u2019re unable to squeeze in that meal during a busy day, minimize the size of your meal the closer you get to a workout, but make sure to eat a little somethin\u2019, somethin\u2019.<\/p>\n
\nGrass-fed or pasture-raised animal protein is a great place to start. You can whip up some chicken, which is perfect for building muscle mass. However, if you simply want something that\u2019s just easier to digest, a slice of turkey will do.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cEggs are also a great, quick meal that you can pair with white rice and vegetables,\u201d says Carneiro. Whether you have it hard-boiled or over easy, eggs are a great alternative for protein if you don\u2019t want chicken or turkey.<\/p>\n
\nAn excellent source of complex carbs, whole grain bread will fuel your workouts for the better. Carbs break down into glucose, which in turn is used by your muscles in the form of glycogen reserves to help keep your body going. Basically, whole carbs are not always the enemy, rather a source of energy. Although, whole grain bread is better enjoyed at least two hours before a workout, especially when topped with nut butter.<\/p>\n
\nAnother excellent form of carbohydrates and vitamin B, brown rice can be a little dull so consider this one best paired with protein and veggies.<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019ve ever had someone tell you to eat a banana after you\u2019ve complained about muscle cramps, this is why. Bananas are filled with carbohydrates and potassium, making them perfect for supporting both muscle and nerve function. A banana can be enjoyed with your meal or saved for a snack closer to your workout.<\/p>\n
\nOats are full of fiber and slowly release carbohydrates into your body\u2019s muscular system. This slow-release allows you to keep a steady, consistent energy throughout your workout. It also has vitamin B, which helps convert carbohydrates into energy.<\/p>\n
\nAnother source of carbohydrates (we love carbs, obviously), sweet potato is perfect when you need a punch of flavor for your larger meals. It\u2019s a starch, but it performs like the others in that it gives your body the fuel it needs to energize your workouts.<\/p>\n
\nBetter together, great apart. This team blends carbohydrates and protein for a powerful snack. The protein in yogurt actually helps in preventing muscle damage because the protein in yogurt is stored a little longer, while the carbohydrates in fruit are known to break down quickly. This is the perfect snack if you need to eat within the hour before your workout.<\/p>\n
\nCarneiro says, \u201cI love bone broth with some added fat, which is easy to digest and also great for gut health.\u201d You can actually have this before and after your workout, and it\u2019s a great electrolyte replacement.<\/p>\n
\nAn added bonus that goes without saying! Good hydration is linked to stellar performance (in life and<\/em> at the gym). Drink your water for an efficient workout. Even while working out, stop at the water machine for a cup of water every 15 to 30 minutes.<\/p>\n