Yes, we like to indulge, but here at MyKitchen, we are a happily healthy team of fitness enthusiasts. During the week, when we know we are heading to the gym after work, our meals are, more often than not, aimed at optimising our exercise time, and I thought I’d share some of our top tips to make the most of your workout.

By Roxy Greeff

DO NOT TRAIN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

We are sure you all know how this works. You eat food, and the energy you gain from it is used for mental and physical activity. With vigorous exercise, if you don’t eat before a workout you are basically running on empty, not a good thing. At the same time, you don’t want to be weighed down a heavy meal. Grab a quick snack like some nuts, a smoothie or a slice of peanut butter toast an hour before your session.
TRY IT: Heather’s oat energy balls

DRINK UP

Water is key, you know this. Exercising without it will lead to dehydration as well as decreased performance and muscle cramping. Fresh water is ideal for any workout, but sports drinks are fine for any high-endurance activities or sessions lasting more than 90 minutes.

PROTEIN POWER

Protein is essential for restoring nutrients responsible for building and repairing your muscles after you have worked them. Some of our favourites are lean protein, such as chicken breasts or fish fillets, avocados, seeds and nuts.
TRY IT: Hawaiian-spiced chicken and mango on low-GI bread

CARBO LOADING

So you’ve got your muscles taken care of, but you also need plenty of carbs to fuel your body and keep you going. But they need to be high-quality options such as fruits, veggies and wholegrains. Here at MyKitchen, we are never far away from a bowl of oats.
TRY IT: Multigrain apple porridge

So there you have it. If you eat in order to support your workout efforts, you will begin to see results in no time, and these are the things that have helped us. And remember, if you are in doubt, always consult a registered dietitian.