ANSWER
Nutritional Options Before and After Exercise
Nutrition is important in promoting fitness and exercise because it provides energy and nutrients to fuel physical activity and aid recovery. Food choices made before and after exercise can significantly impact performance and recovery.
Pre-Exercise Nutrition: The pre-exercise meal should provide sustained energy and lower the risk of digestive issues while exercising. Because carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source, eating a carbohydrate-rich meal 2-3 hours before exercising is recommended. Oatmeal with fruit, whole grain bread with peanut butter, or a turkey and cheese sandwich is a good pre-exercise meal.
Post-Exercise Nutrition: The main goal of post-exercise nutrition is to replenish the body’s energy stores, repair muscle damage, and aid in recovery. Within 30 minutes to an hour after exercise, consuming a meal or snack containing carbohydrates and protein can help replenish energy stores and repair muscle damage. A turkey and cheese sandwich, yoghurt with fruit and granola, or a smoothie with protein powder are all good post-workout meals and snacks.
Improved Performance and Recovery Foods and Nutrients
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source and are required for physical activity. Carbohydrate consumption before and after exercise can help replenish energy stores and improve overall performance.
Protein is necessary for muscle repair and recovery following physical activity. Consuming protein after exercise can aid in the repair of muscle damage and the recovery process.
Fluids and electrolytes: Adequate hydration is essential for physical activity because dehydration can impair performance and recovery. Fluids and electrolytes consumed before, during, and after exercise can help replace fluids lost through sweating and improve overall hydration.
Physically Active Person’s Nutritional Plan
A nutritionally balanced diet is essential for meeting a physically active person’s increased caloric and nutrient requirements. A physically active person should consume the following daily:
Breakfast: A well-balanced breakfast of whole grains, protein, and fruit can give you energy throughout the day. Oatmeal with nuts and fruit or scrambled eggs with whole-grain toast are both good options.
Snacks: Snacks should focus on providing sustained energy and can include options like fruit, yoghurt, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Lunch: A lunch of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables can provide sustained energy and aid physical activity recovery. A turkey and cheese sandwich or a salad with chicken are both good choices.
Dinner should include a well-balanced meal of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. Grilled chicken with sweet potato and vegetables is a good option, as is whole grain pasta with marinara sauce and grilled vegetables.
Hydration: It is critical to stay hydrated during physical activity and recovery. A physically active person should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day and extra fluids during and after physical activity.
In conclusion, eating appropriately before and after exercise and eating a nutritionally balanced diet can help with physical activity, performance, and recovery.
References
Exercise American Council (2021). Exercise and sports nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/5982/nutrition-for-exercise-and-sport/.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine is an organization that promotes sports medicine (2021). Exercise Nutrition
QUESTION
Nutrition plays an essential role in supporting fitness and exercise. If you increase your level of physical activity, your need for nutrients and calories will also increase. In addition, the foods you eat before and after you exercise will have an impact on your performance during the physical activity and on your recovery afterward.
a 2-3 page in APA format using proper spelling/grammar, address the following:
Describe the importance of pre- and post-exercise nutrition choices. Provide examples of foods that are appropriate selections for each category.
Explain how foods and nutrients (including fluids and electrolytes) help improve a person’s performance during physical activity and their recovery afterward.
Consider your responses to items 1 and 2 above, and suggest an appropriate nutritional plan for a physically active person. Be sure to explain what the person should consume in an average day to support their caloric and nutritional needs.
Cite at least 2 credible references and present the resources in APA format on the References page.