Want to know what to eat when you are training? Read on to find out exactly what your diet should entail.
Make Sure You Eat Breakfast
It is deemed the most important meal of the day and so it should be. It will set you up for the rest of the day and keep your cravings at bay. Aim for something high in protein and fibre to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Breakfast Ideas:
Omelette
Scrambled Eggs
Avocado on Toast
Fruit Smoothie
Fruit and Yoghurt
Porridge
Snacking Is Key
Make sure you add some healthy snacks to your diet. This will help you avoid those tempting treats by maintaining your blood sugar levels. It was also keep the body burning calories as it raises your metabolism. Nuts are great snacks as they are high in protein and fibre. Fruit is also a good choice for snacking, especially bananas as they are full of potassium which aids muscle function.
Snack Ideas:
Rice Cakes
Popcorn
Fruit
Nuts
Yoghurt
Whole Wheat Crackers
Carbs Are Important
Contrary to popular belief, you still need carbohydrates for energy, so make sure you add this to your meals too. Wholewheat pasta, brown rice and brown bread are all great sources of carbohydrates and will give you the energy you need to complete your workouts. Potato is also good for adding more carbs to your diet as is Quinoa.
High Carb Meals:
Paella
Pasta Bake
Jacket Potato
Quinoa Bowl
Eat Your Legumes
An often overlooked food category is legumes. This includes beans, lentils and peas and are full of both protein and carbohydrates as well as B vitamins which help boost your metabolism. Try adding peas to your meal or make hummus and carrot sticks as a healthy snack.
Types Of Legumes:
Peas
Chickpeas
Peanuts
Lentils
Beans
Soybeans
Fats Are Essential
Fats are in fact good for you and are essential to a healthy diet as they help your body absorb vital vitamins. Aim to get your fat intake from red meat, olive oil, nuts, avocados and salmon. Limit your saturated fats as it may increase your cholesterol levels and lead to heart disease.
Sources Of Healthy Fat:
Avocados
Olive Oil
Olives
Walnuts
Almonds
Pistachios
Flaxseed
Salmon
Get The Right Amount Of Protein
Of course, we all know protein is vital for muscle development, but do you know exactly how much protein you need? The recommended amount is 1 gram for each pound of body weight if you are wanting to increase muscle mass. Try to eat protein from a variety of different sources rather than just meat, such as nuts, dairy and eggs. Tofu is also a good source of protein as well as heart healthy fats.
Sources of Protein:
Meat
Fish
Milk
Cheese
Eggs
Beans
Tofu
Greek Yoghurt
Cottage Cheese
Broccoli
What To Eat and When
Before a workout, it is best to fuel up on carbs but don’t go too heavy. Make some toast using brown bread and add some sliced banana. After a workout, it is important to get your protein, so opt for some grilled chicken and vegetables.
Stay Hydrated
It is vital that you stay hydrated while training, so make sure you drink plenty of water, especially during a workout. The recommended intake is 2 litres per day.
At Loofes, we know the importance of a good diet when it comes to training, but what about your wardrobe? Our latest range of menswear features plenty of gym essentials for you to choose from. Take a look at our top picks from Lacoste, Nike, Adidas Perfomance and more on what to wear while you are working out.
The Asics Tiger Mens Gel Lyte Trainers are perfect for the gym. With a thick deep tread, the sole offers an excellent grip.
The Adidas Performance Big Logo Shorts are made from a polyester and cotton blend for unbeatable comfort while training.
The Nike Team Small Duffle Bag is ideal for carrying all your gym essentials.
This Nike Mens Futura T Shirt is a gym essential and ideal for wearing while training.
This Gym King Mens Poly Track Top is great for throwing on over your workout gear and will keep you looking stylish on your way to the gym.