A high-cardio training program improves your overall health in several ways. You’ll melt away fat and burn calories for weight loss. You’ll strengthen your heart, so it pumps blood efficiently. You’ll also reduce your risk of a heart attack, diabetes, and many forms of cancer. However, to get the maximum results, you need proper nutrition. What’s the best diet for high-cardio training?
The Best High-Cardio Training Diet
Pre-workout:
Your body is designed to perform like a high-performance machine. If you want to rev the engine high (like you would during a high-cardio workout), you’ve got to load it up with high-octane fuel. If you don’t, you won’t be able to get the most out of your body and your workout.
Before starting a high-cardio workout, you want to eat foods that are high in carbs, without too much protein, and low in fiber and fat. Too much fiber and fat can upset your system, causing you to feel sick, thereby cutting your workout short. Note: Eat a light meal. You don’t want to exercise on a full stomach.
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Post-workout:
First and foremost, make sure to hydrate after your workout. Also, 20 -30 minutes after your workout, your muscles will be looking to absorb nutrients so they can adequately recover from the intensity. Protein-packed shakes and smoothies are a great grab-and-go option. They’ll also help build and maintain lean muscle mass. Another highly effective recovery drink to consider post workout is chocolate milk.
Daily Nutrition Advice
Even on your non-workout days, it’s essential to maintain proper nutrition if you hope to reach and maintain your fitness. Below are some healthy ideas to help you create the best diet for high-cardio training.
Breakfast:
Eat plain greek yogurt. Add berries, granola, coconut oil, or dried figs to provide flavor. Protein-packed oatmeal with blueberries, almond milk, or a scoop of protein powder will fill you up and continue nourishing your muscles on non-workout days.
Snacks/Lunch:
Bananas with peanut butter and honey provide a wonderful mix of simple carbs, potassium, and protein. Apples with peanut butter and raisins is another great snack for in between meals. The fiber in the fruits and the monounsaturated fat in the peanut butter will be satisfying until your next meal.
Lunch/Dinner:
Try grilled chicken with roasted veggies, salmon with sweet potatoes, tuna salad sandwich on whole grain bread, and lean meat or fish with vegetables. All of these will provide your body with the nutrition needed to keep your body running like a fine-tuned machine, ready for the next high-cardio workout.
