Eating and Cardiovascular Workouts.

Cardiovascular workouts are one of the most important things you can do in your fitness routine. A well-balanced diet is very important to see results of any exercise routine. Cardiovascular workouts are most effective when you fuel your body with the right vitamins and minerals.

The Basics of Cardiovascular Workouts.

Cardiovascular workouts would include such things such as walking, running on a treadmill, biking, and any other activity that gets your heart rated elevated while doing an activity. Cardiovascular activities require the body to burn energy from both carbohydrates and fat stored in the body. Carbohydrates are the body’s first choice when it comes to fuel, but healthy sources of fat also give will be used for energy.

When you participate in a cardiovascular workout your body changes the fuel source when increased speed or intensity changes. Your body does this automatically, thus being said you must fuel your body with an equal amount of healthy fats and carbohydrates. Some of the best things you can eat when you are trying to fuel your body with healthy carbs would have to be; whole grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. The healthiest food that are filled with fats come from foods like olive oil, avocado, nuts, peanut butter, eggs and salmon.

What to Eat Before a Workout

Eating before working out can be a little tricky. When you are about to workout you should focus on healthy carbs, but remember that carbs high in fiber take awhile to digest, so you must be careful not to take in too eat to much before a workout. Proteins and fats also take longer to digest, so those should also be eaten more than a hour before the workout. If you plan a workout early eat a few hours before your exercise.

•    A salad with grilled chicken with a lite dressing.
•    Turkey & cheese on whole-grain bread.
•    Grilled salmon with rice and pineapples.
•    Whole grain pasta and grilled veggies.

•    Nonfat Greek yogurt
•    Granola Bar
•    Fruit

What to eat after a Workout

After a workout is a very important time. We need to refuel our bodies so our muscles can repair themselves. This means healthy carbs and protein. If it’s been more than 4 hours since your last meal, it’s time for another one. Remember a lot of small meals is better than one or two big ones. Try to eat some of these snacks to help hold you over between meals.
•    Chocolate milk
•    Protein shake
•    Protein Bar
•    Peanuts or Pretzels

Want to workout on a empty stomach? This video suggests that you should workout on an empty stomach.. well kinda… Check out the video to learn more.