How to Choose Foods Fit for Your Workout

So, you just finished that 4 mile run, which is the farthest you have run in a long time. You feel great! Then you head on home, open the freezer, and pick up that tub of ice cream and a spoon. Not a good decision.
We turned to some local experts to share some advice on what to eat, when to eat it, and to suggest some of the best power foods that will help boost you and your workout to new heights.

Prior to a resistance training workout, you’ll need carbs and protein. Ideally, you’ll consume 60% carbs and 40% protein in adequate time for your body to convert and store proteins. The body breaks down and stores protein more slowly so, 1-2 hours prior to your workout is considered an ideal time to consume real food – especially those containing protein. Such foods are low-fat milk, fish, poultry, greek yogurt, etc.

Protein and fiber slow the absorption of food in your stomach. The action of these nutrients helps maintain a normal rise and fall in blood glucose and normal insulin response.

Insulin is produced in response to the amount of glucose in the blood; its role is to help get glucose into the cells. So when your blood-glucose level surges, insulin production increases, to help shuttle that extra glucose into the cells. Choose mixed greens, which typically offer five or more colorful delicate greens such as radicchio, butter leaf, curly endive, and mache. Each variety offers a unique blend of phytonutrients that research suggests may fend off age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.