My ADA

Fueling Your Body for Physical Activity

April 16, 2004

Warm spring weekends mean a resurgence of outdoor physical activity. Before you head outside, make sure you have fueled your body appropriately for your sport or workout.

If you are active only on weekends, your body can get out of shape, making it important that you adequately prepare beforehand.

Eat complex carbohydrates and lean protein four hours before you work out. Good choices include whole-grain bread with sliced turkey, whole-grain cereal and yogurt or whole-wheat pasta with lean ground meat.

If you need to eat closer to the workout, choose foods that are lower in fat and fiber and easier to digest like saltine crackers with low-fat cheese, canned fruit with low-fat cottage cheese or turkey breast on an English muffin.

In addition to adequate fuel, make sure you drink water before, during and after your workout to prevent muscle cramping or soreness.

Produced by ADA's Public Relations Team