What to eat when going to the gym

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Have you recently started the gym and are trying to improve your diet to help compliment it. Having a healthy diet alongside exercise is so important as your diet will help you with performance and recovery. Protein for example is great for helping repair muscles, whilst carbohydrates are important for fueling your body and helping you perform better when enjoying a sport like football. 

Eating the right foods can also help you feel more positive, energised and productive throughout the day. Healthy eating supports almost every aspect of your wellbeing, from your mood and concentration to your sleep and energy levels. If you’ve recently started going to the gym, focusing on improving your diet alongside your workouts can make a noticeable difference in how you feel both physically and mentally.

Below is our guide on what to eat when going to the gym. 

Protein for muscle growth 

Protein is one of the most important parts of a gym-focused diet, particularly if you are looking to build muscle. Protein is there to help you become stronger. When eating protein, it helps with recovery of your muscles, making you perform more effectively sooner when going back after a workout. There are plenty of easy ways to increase your protein intake without overcomplicating your diet. Foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, tofu and beans are all great sources of protein. You can also eat Biltong as a way to get some extra protein in. 

Carbohydrates for energy

Carbohydrates are often misunderstood, but they are incredibly important when it comes to exercise and performance. Carbs act as your body’s main source of fuel, helping give you the energy needed to power through workouts and stay active throughout the day. In order to eat more carbs, pasta is an obvious way to go. There are so many nice pasta recipes which you can try out, if you want to try something new. If not, a spaghetti bolognese is always a safe bet. 

Water for hydration 

Never neglect water. It may not be something you eat, but water is so important for your overall health. It is recommended you drink around three litres a day although this can vary depending on factors such as exercise levels - if you are working out a lot you should be drink more water to help fuel yourself. If you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, try carrying a reusable water bottle with you or setting reminders on your phone to drink more regularly. The other option is to buy a large two or three litre water bottle and try to ensure you finish it each day - this way it’s easier to keep track of. 

What's your favourite meal to eat after going to the gym? What do you find the hardest thing to commit to when it comes to trying to be healthy? What is your favourite workout to do at the gym? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.