Sunday, July 26, 2009

Body Building Nutrition Tips, The Importance Of Pre-Workout Nutrition

By Ricardo d Argence

The same holds true for each and every one of your workouts if the saying says, "if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail". Every gym session must be faced with mental and physical preparedness because it is a battle.

A carefully planned pre-workout meal will ensure that you always enter the gym at peak strength and will provide your body with the necessary tools to battle the weights as effectively as possible.

The 3 main goals of the pre-workout meal are as follows: Maximize your strength potential. Provide a steady stream of balanced energy for your mind and muscles throughout the workout. Minimize muscle breakdown and provide the raw tools for your body to begin the recovery process once the workout is over.

The first thing to make sure of is that you are properly hydrated before beginning your workout. Water plays a vital role in keeping strength and energy levels peaked, so always ensure that you've consumed an adequate amount of water in the few hours before you train.

Eat a regular meal around 30-45 minutes before going to the gym. The most important component of the meal is, of course, protein. This protein will aide your body in maintaining an anabolic state during your exercise session, in addition to averting the breakdown of muscle during training.

In order to prevent muscle catabolism, consuming Whey protein before exercise is a wise choice. It is suggested that you mix your whey protein with milk, for it will help to slow down the speed at which the protein is released which will give your body a steady flow of amino acids through the course of your workout.

Along with your protein shake you should also consume 1-2 portions of low-glycemic carbohydrates. Low glycemic carbohydrates are ideal before the workout because they are broken down and absorbed gradually in the bloodstream, providing your body with a steady stream of energy throughout your workout.

Your body responds to consumption of high glycemic carbohydrates, which are quickly released into your bloodstream, your body responds by releasing a surge of insulin to help your system even out your body's blood sugar. Rapid fluctuation in insulin levels is the last thing you want in the middle of high intensity workout so choose carbohydrates that will not cause this.

Oatmeal, apples or brown rice are good pre-workout carbohydrate choices. These foods will fuel your body with a steady stream fo sugars throughout the workout, keeping your energy levels continually peaked. For easy digestion and to prevent you from feeling sick when you train, eat only a small pre-workout meal. It is best to exercise after eating. - 16887

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