Eating Before Exercise - It's a Must

Heading for a workout? Don't avoid eating -- your body needs fuel.

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You might not feel like eating, or you might think that you'll burn more calories on an empty stomach, but as Ashley told us recently, eating before exercise is essential to power your workout and keep you going.

That's not to say you should down a four-course meal -- any heavy eating should be done three to four hours before the gym. But an hour or two prior to your workout, reach for a snack that's around 150 to 200 calories. Something with some protein and complex carbs will do nicely, but avoid anything with too much fiber -- it can cause gas and cramping. And, as always, stay hydrated with plenty of water.