Which Is Better, Eating Before Or After Sports?

JAKARTA - Many people are still confused, should you eat before exercise or after?

In fact, our bodies need fuel to be able to move well, and food plays an important role in supporting performance as well as recovery after training.

Eat Before Sports

Before exercising, the body needs fast energy. Carbohydrates are the best choice because they are easy to digest and are directly used by muscles as fuel.

Reporting from the Healthline page, snacks 1.2 hours before exercise can help, such as:

- Fresh fruit

- Wheat bread with peanut butter

- Low-fat Yogurt

- Banana with a little oat

Eating too much can actually make the stomach feel heavy and uncomfortable when moving, so just choose a small portion.

Eat After Sports

After exercise, the body loses energy and needs muscle repair. This is the right time to refill carbohydrate reserves as well as add protein. Several choices of food after exercise include:

- Red rice with chicken or fish side dishes

- Smoothie fruit with additional powder protein

- Boiled eggs with vegetables

- Milk or protein drinks

In addition, don't forget to drink water to replace body fluids. If the exercise is very heavy and a lot of sweat comes out, the electrolyte drink can also help.

Eating after or before exercise is equally important.

Eating before exercise gives energy to make exercise feel lighter. Meanwhile, eating after exercise helps the body recover, improve muscles, and refill lost nutrients.

For people who exercise for health or just a hobby, the combination of the two is the best strategy. Meanwhile, the intensity of exercise that aims to lose weight or build muscles and body condition still needs to be considered.