Meal Prep Ideas to Enhance Your Workout Nutrition
Most people don’t have too much trouble setting up a workout schedule. You know when your work and other obligations will prevent you from going to the gym, so you simply work around that.
However, exercise is only half of the equation. Your nutrition is equally important to your fitness success. Why is it, then, that so many people are caught unprepared when meal or snack time rolls around?
You can maximize your workout nutrition with just a bit of preparation! Here are some time (and stress) saving ideas to help you stay prepared to get the nutrients your body needs.
Once a week, take inventory of what’s in your pantry, your fridge and your freezer. Then, make a meal plan for the week. Don’t forget your pre- and post-workout snacks! Feel free to use items already in your reserves, but do make a grocery list of fresh produce and meats, too.
Once you’ve made your grocery list, stick to it! Better yet, why not use one of those shopping services grocery stores offer? This will help prevent impulse buys that lead to setbacks later.
Then, it’s time to prepare. Check your meal plan and prepare foods in advance. Some healthy foods freeze surprisingly well, like eggs, quinoa and even beans! Freeze these in meal-sized portions, and label according to the day of the week.
You may spend the better part of a Saturday or Sunday afternoon preparing for the week ahead, but you’ll find that the preparation saves so much time during the week. It also helps keep you on track to meeting your fitness and nutrition goals. When your meal’s already cooked, you’re not going to order that pizza!
As you prepare your meals, you’ll need to keep your goals in mind. You’ll also need to know which foods will help you accomplish those goals.
Bulking up and gaining muscle? Shop for and prepare:If you’re not sure exactly which foods meet your goals, have a chat with your personal trainer! He can help you match your exercise goals to the right food, ensuring success.
In the meantime, here’s a basic rundown of what proteins, fats and carbs do for your body.
Proteins
You may have heard that proteins are the building blocks of the body. It’s true! In fact, aside from water, most of your body is made of proteins. Proteins are essential for repairing and building muscle. Lean proteins will also stave off hunger during the day.
CarbsDon’t fall for the “no carb” fad diets: you need carbohydrates! They’re essential for providing you with energy, regulating your blood sugar and preventing you from binge eating during the day. They improve digestion when consumed as fiber and they help your concentration. Choose whole grains, fruits and veggies, avoiding sugary carbs you’ll find in processed foods and soft drinks.
FatsLike carbs, fats have a bad reputation. However, fat is critical to brain function, joint health, digestion and even your heart health. Strive to get your fats from fatty fish, eggs, olive oil, avocado, nuts and coconut oil. Seek to avoid vegetable oil, corn oil and other refined oils.
You can’t be prepared if you don’t have the right tools for success. Your arsenal should include:
Remember that there’s a learning curve. If you run into something you need, online shopping means that item is just a click away!
You’ll find that the more meal prep you do, the more inspired you’ll become. Here are a few tips to keep things lively.
You don’t have to be a top chef to cook interesting, tasty meals. If all else fails, download a few healthy eating cookbooks to your e-reader and have fun experimenting!
Supplements can be a lifesaver. Did you rush out the door this morning and forget your lunch bag? It’s easy to run to the local shop and pick up a protein shake. However, they’re by no means a replacement for real, nutritious foods.
The absolute best way to get the nutrients your body needs is through whole, fresh foods. To put it simply, a shake now and then may be easy, convenient and nutritious. But relying on supplements can ultimately be detrimental to reaching your nutritional goals.