Kleen Fuel for Your Workouts

This has always been a topic of debate and confusion for me, but in my opinion, the fabulous Dr. Mercola has finally cleared it up. So let's jump right in, shall we?

If you're performing a cardio or aerobic workout (fat-burning day), then you need protein with some non-starchy vegetables about 45-60 minutes after you finish your workout. Think spinach salad with grilled chicken (free range, if possible!)

If it's a strength day and you'll be hitting the weights (muscle-sculpting/building day), then you need food that is easily absorbed and quickly assimilated about 15-30 minutes after your workout is completed. Try a banana, a sweet potato, a Lara Bar, some quinoa, or a high-quality whey protein smoothie with a starchy fruit (like a banana) added for easily accessible carbs and a solid source of potassium to help those muscles repair and rebuild.

Now for the pre-workout meal (if you choose to take one), the best option according to Dr. Mercola is a high quality whey protein about 30 minutes before your workout. This seems to be especially effective before a strength workout, as it can prove helpful in boosting your metabolism for 24 hours after the workout!

However, a decent body of research is now supporting the notion of Intermittent Fasting, or simply exercising on an empty stomach, to amp up the fat-burning effect. However, this will be more suited to people who are already on a healthy living path and want to simply take it up a notch. In other words, beginners beware! You should always listen to your body and if you feel faint, light-headed, or weak during a workout, then you might want that whey protein shake before your workout. :)

And one more thing to note when it comes to eating before and after a workout is that fat, in the hour or two leading up to and following a workout is never the type of fuel you want. The rest of the time, please, eat all of the healthy fats in the world, but eating it before or after diminishes your body's production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), you know, the drug that may or may not have been found in a certain notorious cyclist's blood... I'd theorize that if they'll go to those lengths to obtain it, we should all probably try to amp up our own natural production.

I hope you find this to be as helpful as I have!
--Keely