Cross Training Workout Prep - What to eat before getting started


What to Eat Before your Crossfit WOD

 

Given that Crossfit is a high-intensity fitness program, it’s important to ensure you have a proper meal before heading to your workout. This can prevent dizziness, nausea, and therefore, incidents during your WOD (workout of the day).

Early morning workout

If you’re planning to workout early in the morning, you might be thinking of skipping breakfast and having it after the workout. This is not recommended, as it may lead to dizziness and/or nausea due to lack of energy mixed with the extremely high-intensity workout. Have a breakfast that will allow you to workout to your fullest! 

Breakfast should include carbohydrates as well as high proteins, of course, in a balanced manner. This is partially why eggs are such a popular option for breakfast as they have high-protein content as well as certain amino acids that help with mood and cognition.

Do keep in mind that its ideal to have eaten 2-4 hours prior to working out.

Crossfit-workout

Late morning workout

However, if you don’t plan on working out in the early morning, a better idea would be a balance between fats and protein with some carbohydrates. Aside from3 vegetables or some fruit would help top off a good breakfast, preparing a good base for your later workout.  A banana and some peanut butter might be a great idea as it provides you with protein and carbohydrates as well as a small number of healthy fats. As mentioned before, be sure to eat with plenty of time to digest the food before the workout.

Midday workout

In the case that you’re going for a midday/noon workout, the best option would be to go for something that will fuel you through your workouts such as carbs and proteins, while staying away from fats. Eating something like a rice and veggie bowl, or perhaps some oatmeal would be ideal.

If you’re leaning towards rice, you’ll want to go for brown rice, as its more easily digested and has lower chances of spiking your blood sugar (according to Lisa Hayim, a recognized dietarian). Omelets are another good option, but remember, try to stay away from fatty foods to get the best results for your noon workout.

midday-workout-crossfit

Afternoon workout

If you’re going for an afternoon/early evening workout, a good lunch is essential to get you fueled up without feeling too full, especially since this meal can be large. It is also recommended to have a snack if you workout in the late evening to regain some energy before heading out. Your lunch meal should be high-protein, high-carb and moderate fat with a hearty serving of veggies. Pasta (especially whole wheat), potatoes, sweet potatoes or other starchy foods are a great source of carbs for this meal. But remember to not overeat, as it could cause nausea during the workout.

Night workout

If you like working out at night, having a light snack before the workout is ideal for gaining enough energy for your workout. Having a healthy dinner afterward is the best option. If you have dinner before the workout, you will feel hungry afterward, which is why it is better to leave it for afterward. However, remember dinner needs to be a light, yet fulfilling meal, such as chicken salad.

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