How to use a healthy diet to supplement your workout routine

But many people incorrectly assume that a healthy diet is one devoid of taste. That simply isn’t true. In fact, a healthy diet does not necessarily restrict foods, but how frequently some of those riskier foods can be consumed. The following are some of the steps men and women can take to ensure their workouts aren’t losing their effectiveness due to unhealthy eating habits.

• Start the day off with a healthy breakfast. Many foods make healthy breakfast options, including fruit and whole-grain cereals. Unfortunately, on-the-go men and women often reach for what’s readily available, and what’s readily available isn’t necessarily healthy. Avoid breakfast sandwiches that are high in fat and calories, and avoid eating fried foods for breakfast.

For those men and women who prefer to workout first thing in the morning, keep in mind it’s important to eat before working out, even if those workouts are in the wee hours of the morning. Working out on an empty stomach can cause feelings of lightheadedness. In addition, many people are sluggish if they exercise on an empty stomach, which can make workouts less effective. If eating before a morning workout isn’t your thing, consider going with a small snack before beginning your routine. If even that is not ideal, then consider a snack before bedtime. However, this option won’t necessarily prove effective, as your body might just consume all of the energy this snack provides while you’re asleep.

• Reassess your snacking habits. If greasy potato chips or sleep-inducing baked goods like brownies are your idea of the perfect snack, then it’s time to reassess your snacking habits. Snacks should not induce sleep, but provide a little extra energy and reduce any hunger pangs. Fresh fruit, yogurt, energy bars, and even whole-grain crackers with a little peanut butter each make for a healthy snack that won’t zap you of valuable energy during the day.