Working out and still not losing weight or recovery process is slow? Then there is something wrong with the pattern.
In conversations with my players, many a times people have told me that they have been working out for more than a year now but, it has not been effective. I too wondered what could be the reason and concluded that most people complaining are the ones who are not taking care of their pre-and post-workout meals.
In India, people focus on 3 major meals that are breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then the 6-meal plan came into play where 2 snacks i.e. mid-morning and evening snacks were included to fill in the gap but, most who go for their workout tend to skip the most important meals which are the pre-and post-workout meal.
For me, it is as important as having my breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Now, when I say workout, I don’t mean that heavy gym workout alone. The workout can include walking or jogging as well. 30 or 45 minutes of brisk walking also requires pre-and post-workout foods. If this is rightly followed for weight loss even walking helps.
People working out in the gym are often advised to start taking supplements the moment they hit the gym. That’s okay to some extent but is it enough?
Get your facts clear with this article! I hope this helps
(1) Carbohydrates
When: – Pre and post-workout
Why?
– Carbohydrates are responsible for refueling the muscles by getting stored in the body in the form of glycogen. When the levels of glycogen reduce in the body, we feel fatigued.
– During workout sessions, stored glycogen is used up by the body to give energy.
– If carbohydrates are not taken before the workout, the stored glycogen will be completely used up and it will have no backup energy left for the body which ultimately leads to workout energy.
– Here, when I talk about carbohydrates, I am not asking you to hog chapattis or a bowl of rice. The carbohydrates taken before workout must be simple carbohydrates like fruits or fruit juices. A special sports drink can help in such cases.
– If the workout comprises of high-intensity workout for an hour, then one must take up around 4.2 grams of carbohydrates per kg workout.
– 4.2 grams is the average carbohydrate which one can take however it is different from workout to workout and person to person.
– It is always better to consult your health coach before selecting the pre-workout carbohydrates quantity.
(2) Proteins (Amino acid blend)
When: – Pre – and post-workout (pre-workout could be optional but it is must post workout)
Why?
– Here, when I talk about proteins, I am talking about BCAA blend.
– BCAA stands for Branched Chain Amino Acids.
– This BCAA blend specifically contains 3 main amino acids which are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
– There might be a question coming in reader’s mind that there are many other amino acids then why am I focusing on these three? It is mainly because these 3 amino acids are responsible for digestion, repairing of body tissues and performing the main functions of proteins that are for growth and body building.
– For people who are looking forward to building muscles then BCAA blend becomes very essential for them.
– For others, proteins post-workout helps in repairing the muscles and tissues which have worn off during an intense workout.
– Milk is a very good option for post-workout foods.
– Foods like meat and eggs have BCAA in them which becomes an ideal post workout foods.
(3) Caffeine
When: – Pre-workout
Why?
– If you don’t want tiring workout sessions, then it is preferable to take caffeine supplement pre-workout.
– Researchers have shown that caffeine helps in improving the endurance during the workout sessions.
– When it comes to caffeine supplement, the dosage is very important because an overdose of caffeine can make you nauseous and nervous.
– 2 g in lukewarm water is the most optimal dosage.
– If you are suffering from caffeine sensitivity, then you can avoid taking this as you might get dizzy.
(4) Whey Protein
When: – Post workout
Why?
– Whey protein concentrate and isolate are best for post workout supplement because Whey helps in a quick boost in the muscle recovery and it also helps in quick muscle growth.
– Whey hydrolysate and casein helps in increasing the absorption of amino acids in the body making it an excellent post workout supplement.
(5) Vitamin C
When: – Pre and post workout
Why?
– Vitamin C supplement is usually taken to deal with common cold and cough but that’s not all.
– Vitamin C helps in dealing with the stress which could be a strenuous workout as well.
– Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps in dealing with the metabolic stress.
– Vitamin C helps in strengthening the immune system during a strenuous workout.
We hope you found these tips on pre-and post-workout nutrition helpful for your fitness journey. Let us know in the comments below and for more personalised guidance and insights, subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here. Let’s achieve your fitness goals together!
#BeTheForce
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Trishala Chopra says
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Trishala Chopra says
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Sumit says
Hi the content is very enriching n enlighting. Thanks.
Would you please share the foods for the proteins amino acids n other nutrients u mentioned above which will help me to grab it easily….
Would you please throw some more light on caffeine intake for pre workout as far as I have come across caffeine on empty stomach causes acidity plz help.
Thanks a lot for sharing the article
Trishala Chopra says
Hi Sumit!
I am glad you liked my article 🙂
About your queries, i will surely post an article about the foods with which you can get those nutrients. Acidity is a digestive issue. Try to keep your body alkaline. You don’t have to have to be empty stomach. You can grab your pre workout snack and after 15 minutes you can take the caffeine shot. You wont be facing acidity issues then. Please let me know if you need to know anything more. Please keep pouring in your suggestions!
Thank you once again 🙂
SHIVAM says
Nice Article ?
Trishala Chopra says
Thank you shivam!
Glad you liked it!
Keep reading 🙂
SHIVAM says
Nice Article
viraj busa says
Thanks Trishala for share your knowledge which help us to achive our goal …. keep sharing
Nice article
Trishala Chopra says
Hi viraj!
I am glad you liked the article 🙂
Keep reading and applying it in your life ?
Sapan Kansal says
Good article! Covers a lot of small and important points where people make mistakes.
Thank you
Trishala Chopra says
I am glad you liked it!
Keep reading
#betheforce!
Dipti says
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Had so many myths!
Thank you.
Liking your articles!
Trishala Chopra says
I am glad you liked it!
Keep reading
#betheforce!
Spanky Smith says
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Best BCAA for muscle growth says
Thanks for the shared information, your blog have totally relevant information. May I know which is the best supplement to lose weight? according to you!
Jack Marker says
Short, simple and very well written. When it comes to muscle gain supplement plays an important role. Especially, supplements like protein, creatine, multivitamin, and BCCA are the most famous among gym junkies.
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Your post is amazing.
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