Eat Low-Glycemic Foods Before Working Out to Burn Fat

It’s essential we eat before going to the gym, health experts say. Food is fuel in all circumstances, therefore it’s important we don’t skip meals before working out unless we want to feel burned out and lacking energy. However, when it comes to what we eat, this can prove a tricky choice, were it not for a recent study, which shows that low-glycemic foods are recommended if we’re on a mission to burn more fat.

The study, the first of its kind to focus on young women with a healthy weight, has proven beyond any doubt that consuming a low-glycemic meal before exercising results in burning twice as much fat when compared to a high-glycemic one. “High-glycemic index carbs are known to spur a big spike in blood sugar, and the researchers believe that a meal rich in low-glycemic carbs, which elicit a lower blood sugar response, may boost the body’s use of body fat for burning rather than for blood sugar.” Health writes in reference to the findings of the study.

What this means is basically that, before heading out the door to the gym, a small meal made of muesli, whole grains, soy, yogurt, porridge or skimmed milk, would be the right choice for a pre-workout snack. It will not only make us feel better for eating something that is healthy and low in calories, but will also help up get better and faster results in the gym. The only case when high-glycemic snacks are allowed, researchers say, is after a marathon, only for athletes, which is when they need an immediate energy boost.

Another tip we should remember before working out is to keep constantly hydrated. Sweating means we lose plenty of water while working out, which, in turn, can considerably bring down our energy level, meaning we will perform the same routines as we always do, but perceive them as more challenging and difficult. This is why trainers and health experts often advise to drink as much water as possible, before, during and after a workout.

“Nearly every cell in the body is composed of water – without it, they don’t function efficiently during exercise. Part of the problem is that dehydration decreases the body’s levels of anabolic hormone that are necessary for strong muscles. On workout days, drink an ounce of water for every 10 pounds of body weight (i.e., 15 ounces if you weigh 150) one to two hours prior to exercise. Then keep sipping during and after your session to replenish what you lose through sweat.” researchers were recently telling Health.MSNBC on the topic.