Chapter 3

  1. Get Fit, Stay Fit

104. When to Eat If You’re Going to Exercise


Is it better to exercise and then eat, or eat and then exercise? Follow these guidelines.

  1. •Don’t eat much right before a workout, because your body will divert blood to your muscles and away from your digestive organs, disrupting the process of digestion. Generally, it’s best to work out 2 to 3 hours after a meal, or an hour or two after a snack.

  2. •Always eat breakfast. If you exercise before breakfast, you may reduce fatigue if you eat a small amount of food—like a small glass of juice or a piece of toast—15 or 20 minutes before you set out.

  3. •If you exercise before dinner or late in the day, make breakfast and lunch your main meals. To boost energy levels, have a late-afternoon snack.