The Right Way To Fuel

Nutrition pros break down the guidelines for pre- and post-workout eating, so you can maximize the benefits of your sweat session.

- Rozalynn S. Frazier

WHEN IT COMES TO FUELING your workout, experts are in complete agreement— failing to do it properly before and after is a major mistake. “The right nutrition can be your secret strategy to being a better athlete,” explains Barbara Lewin, RDN, CSSD, a sports nutritionist based in South Florida who works with pro athletes, including Olympians, NBA players, and endurance athletes. “Consuming the right nutrients before your workout ensures your body has what it needs to work hard, and eating the right foods afterward aids recovery,” she says.

The catch is, there is no one-size-fits-all plan. The reason: Things like body weight and workout intensity play major factors. So you’re going to have to experiment. To put you on the right path, we asked nutrition experts for a few basic guidelines. Start here, and you’ll figure out what works for you in no time at all.

BEFORE

Go Ahead,

Have Some Carbs