Smoothies Enhance Exercise
Sally Perkins explains the importance of nutrition before and after exercise.
According to The Standard, nearly 53% of people in the UK workout weekly. Those who do not work out cite tiredness as one of the top reasons that prevent them from hitting the gym and exercising. Preventing and fighting against workout fatigue all comes down to nutrition. Proper athlete nutrition before and after exercise is vital in enhancing your workout and finding the motivation and strength to continue exercising. So, what is the easiest way to get this nutrition all at once? Try blending it all in a smoothie full of nutrients and antioxidants.
Nourish Your Body
The convenience of smoothies cannot be understated; infusing various nutrient-rich foods together in a tasty concoction is perfect for the athlete on the go. Even better, you can tailor your smoothie ingredients based on your target. You can create smoothies to boost performance with rich vitamins, help with muscle growth, or even fight off inflammation. Smoothies are a simple way to get in various nutrient-dense food groups while providing the body with sustenance to keep going before, during, or after a workout.
Foods to Fuel Your Workout
What should you put in your smoothie? You will want to combine multiple food groups for optimum performance for your workout. For short and high-intensity activities, opt for a source of carbohydrates to fuel you during exercise. Forbes says post-workout higher-carb smoothies keep you full and satisfied until your next meal. Bananas, steel-cut oats, pineapples, and strawberries are excellent glycogen sources and carbohydrates to keep you going. Double-dip by putting berries in your smoothies (both a carb and antioxidant).
Do not skip out on protein, fat, and irons for stronger muscles and performance. Protein promotes muscle groups, and fat also aids in muscle performance. Proteins like nut butter and fats like coconut oil and avocado are great to add to smoothies for a creamy, silky texture. Proteins and fats can help pre-and post-workout, says Healthline, and have numerous positive effects on the body's response to exercise. Also, supplementing your smoothie with leafy greens like spinach gives the body its much-needed source of iron.
There is a no better, more convenient, or even tastier way to help.
Page Reference
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- PERKINS, S. (2019) Smoothies Enhance Exercise [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article432.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Sally Perkins is a professional freelance writer with many years of experience across many different areas. She moved to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and travelling as much as possible.