What foods will give me the most energy before exercising?

Story Created: Apr 4, 2012 at 4:43 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 4, 2012 at 4:43 PM CDT

Life & Beauty Weekly: Expert Q+A

What foods will give me the most energy before exercising?

By Dr. Carol Otis for Life & Beauty Weekly

You’re smart to think about what you’re eating: The right fuel makes exercise feel easier and can help keep you going longer.

Your best bet is to eat a small snack that’s high in both protein and fiber. I like having an 8-ounce cup of low-fat yogurt with fruit, a small turkey wrap or about 6 whole-wheat crackers with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.

Whatever you choose, try to eat it about an hour before lacing up your sneakers. If you eat too close to your exercise time, you could feel sluggish since your blood will be busy digesting the food instead of helping your muscles. On the flip side, never work out on an empty stomach; doing so may cause you to burn muscle, not fat.

It’s also important to drink water prior to exercise to ward off dehydration. Try to down eight tall glasses throughout the day. And skip the sports drinks -- they usually contain extra calories and sugar you don’t need.

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