What to Eat Before Running

One of the best exercises that is bound to gain favor with any fitness freak is running. Running and jogging is one of the most effective ways of not just losing weight but also of staying in shape. However, one aspect of this routine that is often neglected is the diet part. Yes, as inconspicuous as it may seem, diet plays an important role in determining the efficiency with which you are able to run. You need to know what to eat before running and after running, so as to ensure that you gain maximum benefit from your exercise routine. So, given below are details regarding it and how it helps.

Foods to Eat Before Running

Carbohydrates
The best thing to eat before running would be to have carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and the carbohydrates that are stored in the muscles and the liver is what is used while running. The best things to have would be cereals or toast with fresh fruits for breakfast or even whole grains and vegetables. You must not however overeat when it comes to carbohydrates because you need to ensure that you are not too full nor are the carbohydrates being converted to sugars, which will give you a sugar rush followed by a low. So, the best thing to have is banana, a slice of toast or something that is high in fiber.

Fats
Alright all those staunch people for whom food cravings seem to occur in a distant land, look away; and for all those people that just can't seem to keep themselves from cheating on their diet every now and then, keep reading. Right, now, if you can't seem to keep your hands off at least something that is high in calories, or at least tasty enough to satiate your craving rather than your appetite, then believe it or not, the time to give in to that craving is just before you run. If you're wondering about what is good to eat before running, which belongs to the 'fat' category, then hold your horses, for this does not mean you can snack on a chocolate bar. The body needs fats to sustain basic functioning and to maintain its normal activities while running. However, consumption of too much fat may divert the blood flow to the stomach, which in turn, may lead to less blood and oxygen reaching the muscles. So, one of the tips for running is to ensure that the fat that you eat is obtained from sources like slamon and olive oil or perhaps a slice of bread and peanut butter.

Proteins
Eating adequate amount of proteins will greatly decrease your chances of landing with sore muscles after running. This is because protein helps in hastening the post running muscle damage that takes place, that is the micro-muscle tears which take place while running, which is what causes sore muscles which are repaired with the help of a high protein diet. In fact, besides protein being one of the main food groups that fall under the 'foods to eat before running', these are great to have even after running or a workout, as many people advocate having a protein shake after a workout.

Water
Besides this, you also need to know what to drink! It goes without saying that staying hydrated is the key to remaining fit enough to run. Dehydration greatly impairs your running efficiency and it also makes you feel tired easily. Due to sweating, the body is greatly susceptible to dehydration while running. Also, the body and muscles find it easier to get rid of metabolic products if there is enough water in the body. Although the conneciton between sore muscles and lactic acid is under the scanner right now and people are not sure about whether this connection is for real or not, the fact is that water does help to prevent the muscles from becoming fatigued. Drinking enough of water is important to ensure that your muscles maintain their tone. This is because, if you do not drink enough water, then your body muscles are more prone to cramping. However, you shouldn't drink water immediately before nor after running. Give your body some time and then drink water. Many people have lemon water in the morning before they go for a run because they claim it rejuvenates them.

This was all about foods to eat before running or before a workout. Although all the above mentioned food groups help in some or the other way, it is important to remember that you should eat at least an hour or two before running and should not eat and then immediately set off for a run. The best way to go about this is to talk to your nutritionist for details, so that he can guide you correctly by determining what combination of foods would work best for you.