Power up your workout with the right fuel.
It’s true: You are what you eat. Abs, along with the rest of your body, begin in the kitchen. Eating the right foods can make–or break–any workout. Here’s how to prep the correct combos to ensure a killer workout and hot bod.
AM Kickstart
Amp up those abs with the most important meal of the day. For a slim, sexy tummy, pair 1/2 rolled oats, 1 cup of an unsweetened non-dairy milk, 1 cup of mixed berries and sprinkle 1 tbsp of chia or flax seeds or nuts. If you’re planning on hitting a hard HIIT session, try something a bit more substantial. think: Avocado toast or a banana with nut butter. Both contain healthy, protein-rich fats and carbs, which will offer time-released energy.
Drink Up
Keep your water bottle handy: staying hydrated is essential, especially in the steamy summer months. Be sure to drink H20 before, after and during exercise; if you’re exercising outdoors, you may need to increase your intake. Even mild dehydration can slow metabolic rates and wreak havoc on your system.
Snack Attack
Your body works 24/7 (not just while you’re at the gym) to recover and repair muscles while rebuilding itself. Time your snacks accordingly to your workout. A few hours before your sweat session, have a mini meal. Try a mix of healthy fat, carbs and protein; stick to something less than 300 calories. Good options include: Carrot sticks with hummus, half an English (or gluten-free) muffin with a tablespoon of nut butter or a cup of greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Check out more nutritionist-approved snacks here!
Post-Workout Eats
Eat within an hour after a sweat-soaked workout. Again, opt for a healthy mix of unprocessed whole foods such as veggies, grains and protein. Try 3/4 cup of a protein-rich grain like quinoa, 4 oz. of a lean protein such as salmon and 1 1/2 or more cups of leafy greens such as kale or spinach. If you’re not a meat-eater, power up with a veggie superfood bowl. Combine 1 cup sweet potato or grains (quinoa, brown rice or amaranth), 2 cups of leafy greens, 1/4 avocado, 1/2 cup of chickpeas, shredded carrots and a few radish slices.
