3 Nutrition Tips To Improve Gym Performance
March 21, 2023 | Words by Liz Francis
When it comes to improving gym performance, many people focus solely on their workout routines and overlook the role that nutrition plays in achieving their fitness goals. In fact, nutrition is just as important as exercise, if not more so, in supporting optimal performance and recovery. Just like the saying goes, “Abs are made in the kitchen!”
Here are three nutrition tips to help you improve your performance in the gym:
Tip #1: Fuel your body throughout the day, not just after your workout
While it’s important to refuel your body post-WOD, it’s equally important to fuel your body throughout the day to support your body’s needs. Eating regular, balanced meals and snacks that include proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent energy dips during your workouts.
Consider eating a healthy small meal or snack about 30 minutes to an hour before your workout. This can help provide your body with the extra boost it needs to power through your workout and can also aid in muscle recovery.
Tip #2: Go shopping with a list & block off time to meal prep
One of the biggest barriers to healthy eating is lack of preparation. It’s all too easy to grab something quick and unhealthy when you’re in a rush or don’t have anything healthy on hand. To avoid this, try going grocery shopping with a list and planning out your meals for the week in advance. This can help ensure that you have all the ingredients you need to make healthy meals and snacks throughout the week.
Another helpful tip is to block off time in your schedule for meal prep. Even if you’re not into cooking meals to reheat throughout the week, try chopping your veggies before they go in the fridge to save you time (and dishwashing) later!
Tip #3: Decrease alcohol consumption
While it’s totally OK to enjoy a drink or two every now and then, excessive alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on your training. Alcohol can interfere with muscle recovery and can also lead to dehydration, which can impair your ability to perform at your best.
This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice socializing with friends and family, but it does mean being mindful of how much you’re drinking and choosing lower-alcohol options when possible.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in your overall performance in the gym. By fueling your body throughout the day, planning your meals and snacks in advance, and limiting alcohol consumption, you can optimize your nutrition to support your fitness goals. Remember, small changes can add up to big results, so start implementing these tips today and see how they can help you achieve your best workouts yet!
