Are You Missing Out On These Five Essentials Of Fitness Nutrition?

Health is built upon certain pillars of wellness and out of these, the two most important pillars to a healthy and well-balanced life are fitness and nutrition. Nothing counts less than the other as both of these factors are intertwined and work synergistically in achieving the maximum out of health, keeping lifestyle diseases at a bay. The right nutrition gives you the stamina and enough fuel for exercising while hustling the muscles or doing some cardio keeps your weight in check and imparts a healthy glow to your skin. Here are the topmost essential tips for fitness nutrition.

Power-Packed Protein

Protein consumption is crucial to give strength and mass to your muscles. Protein helps to build, repair and restore muscle tissues that are lost or deranged during exercising. The focus should be given on high biological quality protein as much through a natural diet as possible. Good quality protein sources include lean meat, eggs, dairy, pulses, legumes, and grains like quinoa, buckwheat, whole wheat, and oats. As a thumb rule, try to include some form of protein with every major meal you consume.

The focus should be given on high biological quality protein as much through a natural diet as possible.

Count on Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential to derive energy that gives you the strength to perform daily activities including your regular fitness regime. Many fad diet trends may ask you to cut down on carbs drastically- avoid making this mistake as carbs are the most essential macros when it comes to providing energy. It’s about the type and quantity you choose. You should opt for complex carbohydrates which are slower to digest and provide a steady supply of energy, and completely eliminate refined carbs like refined flour, sugary drinks, flavoured yoghurts, white bread, and white pasta. Include whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, jowar, ragi, bajra or quinoa in your diet.

Many fad diet trends may ask you to cut down on carbs drastically- avoid making this mistake as carbs are the most essential macros when it comes to providing energy.

Rainbow on the Plate

Include 5-6 servings of different coloured fruits and vegetables in your daily diet as these are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Aim to include veggies in the form of salads, soups, stewed or cooked. When in doubt, just stir fry whatever veggies that are available and toss with your favourite seasoning. Fruits can be consumed as it is or in the form of smoothies or shakes.

Fuelling Right Before

Ditch every notion that says you should work out on an empty stomach because not only it will put an extra strain on your body but would also limit your exercise performance capacity. Intense exercise can deplete fuel sources and you can run out on energy immediately after beginning and that is why the right food in the right quantities is essential to kick start the stamina and exercise. Banana serves as an excellent pre-workout option or you can munch on dry fruits and nuts or have a bread toast with peanut butter spread.

Ditch every notion that says you should work out on an empty stomach because not only it will put an extra strain on your body but would also limit your exercise performance capacity.

Recovery Right After

You need essential recovery with food to let your muscles relax and body recover after your workouts. Carbohydrate with a combination of protein is the best bet after an intense exercise regime. Fruit smoothie made with oats, or a whole-wheat toast topped with mashed avocado or an egg scramble with pita bread are some of the things to go for.

If you have recently started working out or have increased the intensity levels of your workout you may already know that muscle soreness can often come in the way and is fairly common. So, instead of skipping your routine, incorporate foods like ginger, cherries, salmon, eggs, or lukewarm turmeric milk to ease out muscle soreness or pain.

Nmami Agarwal is the Founder and CEO of Nmami Life. The views expressed are the author's own.