National Nutrition Month is here and at Grit Box, we’re all about the connection between nutrition and fitness. “Putting work in at the gym means nothing if you’re not fueling yourself properly!” says Coach Dani. “Someone once told me abs are made in the kitchen and it’s stuck with me ever since.” Nutrition plays a huge role in getting stronger, faster, and better than ever before, so let’s dive into why proper nutrition is so vital for fitness.
Boosting Energy
First things first, you need to be fueling your workouts. That means grabbing a healthy snack with some complex carbs and fat about an hour before your workout. Doing this will give you the energy boost you need to power through those punches and kicks without feeling drained or fatigued during class. Plus, it’ll make sure your body has enough energy to complete each round without feeling too exhausted afterward.
Post-Workout Snacks
But it’s not just about what you eat before a workout – recovery matters too! “Working out takes a lot of energy, so if you don’t restore this energy with fuel (aka food) then naturally you’ll feel the fatigue and tiredness afterwards,” said Dani. Eating nutritious meals after working out helps you replenish muscle glycogen stores, which is essential for recovery. It also provides the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for muscle repair and growth.
Replenish and Recover
Let’s not forget about rest days! It’s just as important to eat well on rest days. This gives your muscles time to heal while still providing them with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients required for optimal performance when you resume exercising again in a few days’ time.
Proper nutrition is the foundation of any successful fitness journey. You can’t just hit the gym and expect to see results if you’re not fueling your body with the right stuff. That means ditching the junk food and sugary drinks and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Dani recommends creating a plan that’s realistic: “Avoid any fad diets! You want something that will mesh with your lifestyle so it works in the long run. One good starting point is making sure you’re eating at least three meals a day, and that those meals have protein, carbs and fats!”
Hydration for Peak Performance
And don’t forget to stay hydrated! Water is essential for regulating body temperature, aiding in digestion, and supporting muscle function, so, drink up that water like it’s going out of style. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, and even more if you’re exercising regularly.
Bottom line, nutrition and exercise go hand in hand. You can’t just do one without the other and expect to see real progress. So, don’t half-ass it. Prioritize both and you’ll be well on your way to kicking some serious fitness ass.
