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1. Whole Grains
For exercise, carbs are king. While there is a modern day fear of carbs due to many fad diets, carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for most of the body’s functions.
Carbohydrates provide glycogen, a key source of energy during activity. Glycogen is used for short intense exercise and is fast-acting.
Without sufficient carbohydrates, you run out of glucose and glycogen stores and end up “hitting the wall”. Like I mentioned earlier, this could result in light headedness, nausea, and fainting.
Alright, so we need carbs ahead of our exercise. That much we know. But there are good carbs and bad carbs. While simple carbs are important in the event of hypoglycemia, in general, we want to take in complex whole grains ahead of our workouts.
Whole grains provide lasting energy and provide better weight maintenance. The higher fiber content improves satiety and fights many diseases, all while providing you with a slow, consistent release of glucose and glycogen.
We also want to avoid refined carbs. Refined carbs like white breads and sweets can increase the risk of disease, diabetes, and a whole slew of other issues.
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