What to Eat Before a Workout

People always ask me what they should eat before and after workouts...well, I have my nutrition opinions, but I also ask the expert, Dr. Chris Mohr...here's what he said, and you can read the rest of the fat loss nutrition interview here

CB: What are your pre and post workout eating recommendations? How important are these in the context of a day (24-hour cycle)?

CM:
They are pretty similar...

For post-workout nutrition, I like a liquid product that provides anywhere from 2-4:1 ratio of carbs to protein (so 2-4 grams carbs for every 1 gram protein).

For lifters, I typically shift more towards the 2-3:1 ratio and for more endurance type athletes, the higher end of the spectrum since they utilize more carbs during their workouts.

A favorite, simple post workout drink is chocolate milk. I know Craig and I share this opinion, and a study was just published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Energy Metabolism showing chocolate milk was more effective than a popular formula on the market and a popular sports drink.

For pre-workout nutrition, there are a handful of studies showing that a similar carb:protein ratio is important for maintaining a positive nitrogen balance and providing some necessary glucose for the body to use as fuel.

CB: Where are our youth going wrong with respect to nutrition (In terms of both obesity and young athletes)?

CM:
Too much reliance on snack foods, soft drinks, low nutrient foods, fast food, high fat foods, sugar laden foods, and more.

Of course on the exercise part of it, there is way too much physical inactivity, lack of participation in organized sports, too much computer and TV time, and the list goes on.

CB: Thanks Chris. Discover how to eat your way to the dream body you've always wanted without any hard to follow diets with Meal Plans 101.