Workout Fuel: Protein or Carbs ?

Workout Fuel: Protein or Carbs?

The subject of the best workout fuel is highly debated in the fitness community. Fitness forums online conversations taking place in gyms, people have a difference of opinion on this.

Some so-called "experts" and "gurus" are agreed that fitness enthusiasts and athletes are better served by taking a high carbohydrate meal before working. However, there are many other people who make an argument for charging with the protein to optimize your workouts.

The argument for protein meals before a workout supporters is that our body does not necessarily need carbohydrates. They claim that when the body registers that there is no carbohydrates to burn energy, it will make for it by burning body fat instead. In turn, this will help burn body fat and optimize your workouts or just general health.

It is true that the human body does not need carbohydrates to survive, but there is enough scientific discoveries in journals, magazines, etc. which show without doubt that carbohydrates improve the overall performance of the organization. This is true when applied to any physical activity, unless you are just lying around the house or sit.

Another thing that supporters of the protein should keep in mind is that money does not stop at the pre-workout meal or snack. It should also make a habit of taking in fewer calories than your body can burn for optimal results in losing body fat.

What does science say?

The argument that experts make is that most of the evidence backed by science supports them in that carbohydrates are a better choice for a pre-workout meal or snack. Their claim is that carbohydrates can provide the body with a source of energy that is available rather quickly that it is not as effective when it comes to driving fuel.

The breakdown is as eating or drinking carbohydrates before a workout helps because it quickly fills your muscles with glycogen, which is how your body stores carbohydrates. When working on their muscles simply extract the stored carbohydrates for quick energy source to fuel their workouts.

Pre-Workout Meal Ideas

Scientific research supports the idea that the best results come from eating a high carbohydrate meal 3 to 4 hours before entering into any significant physical activity. What happens here is what allows the body to begin to digest the meal and pass from the stomach to the small intestine. This will in turn help prevent a number of symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhea during exercise.

For those who can manage to eat close to their workout, it is advisable for them to eat a high-carbohydrate snack between additional 1 to 2 hours before the time of crisis (pun intended).

However, these snack or meal not only to have carbohydrates, it is recommended that they also contain protein and minimal fat. These will slow down the high hand digestion process.

Best Foods Pre-Workout

Oat

A fantastic choice for a pre-workout meal is a cup of plain old oatmeal, preferably 30 minutes before training. It is filled with a heavy load of fibers which in turn slow the release of glucose from carbohydrates needed in your bloodstream during exercise, a good stable energy source. In addition, oats provide B vitamins in the mixture which helps convert carbohydrates into energy.

Fruit Smoothies

The great thing about smoothies is that they are very easy to consume and digest quickly. These can be made with a little fruit juice, natural yoghurt and fruits that are high in carbohydrates and also contains an excellent source of protein. Carbohydrates are quickly converted into driving fuel while the protein after training assistance in helping avoid damage to the muscles.

Bananas

Another great food is bananas, rich in carbohydrates and potassium which helps muscle function and nerves as well. A good recipe for driving up early is a medium-sized banana with a cup of Greek yogurt for about 30 minutes before working.

High quality pre-workout meals and snacks include:

Food (in small portions)

Pasta with tomato sauce

Chicken salad roll

Whole grain breakfast cereal with low fat milk

White rice with a small serving of vegetables and grilled chicken

Snacks

The low-fat milk with a piece of fruit

Peanut butter on whole wheat bread

Fruit salad with plain yogurt

Fresh fruits and nuts

Whole grain bread with honey or jam

Whole wheat bread with boiled egg

What to avoid before training

Foods that are high in fat can have a negative effect on a workout because they can make you feel lethargic and may bring cramps as fat leaves the stomach rather slowly.

You really want to avoid simple carbohydrates such as sugar or candy that can make you crash before a workout. They do not have the stability that complex carbohydrates bring to the table when working because the energy they bring is short.

Small lunches are ideal because when you eat too much before a workout, it can make you feel sluggish and can cause nausea, indigestion, or even vomiting.

Home message

Experts agree that meals high in carbohydrates are a much better choice on high protein meals when it comes to driving fuel. The reason being that the muscles need a source of glucose available quickly for optimal results at a high intensity physical activity.

For those who avoid carbohydrates and choose a high-protein meal, they can expect to encounter a lethargic feeling followed by a less than desired workout results. The best choice for any athlete is to eat a high-carbohydrate meal or snack for the drive fuel, it is also a very simple choice and plentiful.

In addition, based meal high in carbohydrates will also be easier on the stomach that moves quickly from the stomach to the small intestine so help a avoid unwanted side effects such as vomiting or nausea during of high intensity training.

It is important to optimize your nutrition levels, because that is what fuels your workouts. With the proper fuel your body will be awarded with high performance workouts.