BE INSPIRED

Before the gym

There is a common myth that working out on an empty stomach is beneficial to burning fat. Whilst this is true to some extent the costs far outweigh the benefits and in the long run you’ll just end up burning off energy and feel tired for the rest of the day. If you’re training first thing in the morning make sure you eat before you go in; fruit rich in water such as oranges are a good bet. If you’re working out mid to late in the day, have a balanced meal an hour before training or a nutritious snack such as a flapjack, powerbar or banana shortly before you go in.    

After the gym

After a work out, whether you’re doing fat burning, cardio or toning, your glycogen levels (the carbohydrates we store in our muscles) are running low and will need to be replenished. The body uses this as fuel and if you’re running low you’ll feel sluggish for the rest of the day and look for a quick fix. To combat this there’s nothing better than a good blend of protein and carbohydrates; ideally you should consume these within a 20 minute window after working out. So if you’re in a rush grab yourself a protein shake and a banana straight after training. If you do have time for a meal, mix any of the following; tuna, chicken, or Quorn with pasta, rice or potatoes.

Snacking

Fat burning doesn’t mean you should avoid eating, quite the opposite actually. Smaller meals throughout the day will actually increase your metabolism and in turn increase your body’s capacity to burn fat. So rather than avoiding meals just avoid big meals, instead supplement with strategic healthy snacks throughout the day. You can pick and choose what you like really but some good ideas are fresh fruit, flapjacks, almonds, dried apricots, whole grain cereals, yoghurts and homemade smoothies.

Now you’re fired up with all that energy it’s time to hit the gym and get that bikini body you’ve always wanted!