WebMD Town Hall: Best Foods for Exercise

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Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD
Are there any foods you should avoid before you exercise, and how about after?

Jim Kauffman
That's a really good question. It's a lot of it is personal preference and what you're most comfortable with and what your body can tolerate before you're going to go out and do some kind of physical activity. So a lot of people they don't do dairy, they don't do well with that. Recommended is probably something that you're comfortable with, a protein about an hour before you go. One thing to actually include is water, and water regularly and often if you're thirsty. Other things to avoid would be anything really heavy that's going to sit in your stomach, some pastas, some of the more unhealthy breads and cereals, and then afterwards, after a good strenuous workout, a good thing to do is to include some kind of protein to help replenish the muscle breakdown that you've had during the exercise. So some time about 30 minutes to an hour afterwards would be a good thing.

Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD
And I would add that chocolate milk, here's your opportunity to drink chocolate milk, because it's been proven. There are studies that say it's one of the best beverages that hydrates and provides those nutrients from the muscles that have been exercised.

Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD
Can you think of any other snacks, maybe protein Yogurt, you know.

Jim Kauffman
Peanut butter, tuna salad.

Michelle Obama
I often do peanut butter and apples, a good dip, or honey. I do that before my workout.