Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Pre- and Post-Workout Drink

This drink is simple, tasty, and most important — effective.

Eating a meal before working out pulls too much blood to your digestion instead of your muscles. Drinking post-workout beverages containing maltodextrin (a corn-derived carbohydrate), artificial flavors and colors, and a whole host of chemicals is not wise either.

Fuel yourself and your workout with the following all-natural beverage instead:

INGREDIENTS:
16 oz. fresh spring water or quality filtered water
2 Tbsp. unheated (raw), unfiltered organic honey

NUTRITION PROFILE:
120 calories
34g carbohydrates
Free-form amino acids and enzymes (protein)
Low/Medium Glycemic Index (GI) of 55

DIRECTIONS:
Shake together in a mason jar, mix with a spoon, or put in a blender. Drink 30-60 minutes before your workout. Drink again 30-60 minutes after your workout so as not to inhibit your body's production and utilization of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Once you begin to eat, HGH production stops, so wait 30-60 minutes after a workout to eat. Water, of course, is fine anytime.


WHY:
• Raw honey contains the necessary carbohydrates for your body to utilize while working out, but does not contain enough of them to inhibit your body's use of your own stored energy (fat).
• Contains a large amount of enzymes, which are proteins, and help with a variety of functions in your body, including digestion, energy, muscle recovery, etc.
• The antioxidants in honey help protect you against the free radicals and oxidation caused by exercising.
• Balances blood sugar post-workout and aids in muscle recuperation, according to several studies done by the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory.
• Water is necessary for hydrating your cells and brings nutrition to your muscles and brain, which helps to keep you going during exercise.
• Water pushes out the lactic acid generated by working out.