4 Ways To Fuel Up Before Going For A Run

Posted on: 27 November 2018

Running is great exercise. It builds strength in your legs and conditions your whole cardiovascular system. However, it's important to properly fuel your body before going on a run. When you take care of your body, you can push it more while you exercise. Here are four foods you should eat to power your next run:

1. Fruit

Fruit is a great snack to eat before going for a run. It's full of healthy sugars that will give you energy. Best of all, fruit is completely natural and very portable. It's easy to stick a banana or an apple in your bag before you hit the gym, even if you're running late. For optimum results, choose organic fruits that are free of pesticide and other harmful chemicals.

2. Brown rice

Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, but some grains are more filling than others. Processed grains like white rice and bread can leave you feeling hungry within the hour. That's definitely not ideal if you're trying to watch your weight. Brown rice is an excellent choice for runners. It contains complex carbohydrates that take longer for your body to break down, meaning it will sustain you for longer. Salmon with brown rice is a great healthy dinner, and you can even add brown rice into your lunchtime salad for extra fiber.

3. Granola bar

Granola bars are great if you have a sweet tooth. They're a healthy indulgence that comes filled with vitamins and nutrients that your body needs. Choose a granola bar with a high protein content to speed your post-run recovery. Running hard breaks down the muscle fibers in your legs, and your body uses protein to help repair them.

4. Carbohydrate-rich drinks

When you're deciding what to eat before a run, you have to take into account how much time you have. According to Livestrong, you should eat at least 60 minutes before your run to avoid an upset stomach. If you don't have that much time to wait, you can drink a carbohydrate-rich drink instead. These drinks are full of carbs, the fuel your body uses when you run; they also contain electrolytes that help to keep you hydrated. Best of all, you can drink them before, during, or after your run.

When you treat your body well, it can help you do great things. Eat things from this list to ensure that you have energy to train hard. With the proper fuel, you'll be setting personal running records in no time.

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