The best food to complement your workout

As any fitness guru will tell you when you’re trying to lose weight, having a regular exercise routine is only half the battle. You need to have a healthy diet too! But what should you eat? And when should you eat it? Before a rejuvenating workout on your home fitness equipment (we recommend the TRUE ES9.0 Upright Exercise Bike for all those cycling fanatics looking for a realistic indoor cycling experience when April showers get in the way) reach for these healthy snacks to complement your routine:

Berries
When they’re in season berries are not only a tasty treat, they’ll also protect you from injury! Whether it’s acai berries, blueberries, strawberries or raspberries, the antioxidants in these delicious fruits will help protect your muscles from damage. You can also try drinking a glass of cranberry juice or blending up a quick smoothie.

Chicken
Protein is an essential part of any healthy diet, and eating it after a workout can help your muscles recover more quickly. Try grilling up a chicken breast or eating some lean turkey to get your protein fill. If you’re a vegetarian, include some soy in your diet.

Bananas
To get up the energy you’ll need for your workout, you’ll have to ingest some carbohydrates. A banana is a quick and easy snack you can eat on the go. As an added bonus, this fruit also helps prevent muscle cramps!

Whole wheat bagels
Sticking with the carbohydrate category, whole wheat bagels are also excellent fuel for your workout. They contain simple carbs, which burn quickly, so you’ll be able to tap into that energy right away. Top it off with some berry jam for an extra workout-friendly snack!

Greek yogurt
For a tasty carbohydrate-protein combination, eat a bit of Greek yogurt before your next workout. It’s easy on your stomach and contains less sugar than regular yogurt.