Healthy Food for Any Workout

“Cookies?” Annie frowned at the box on the kitchen counter.

“As you know, carbohydrates are our body’s source of fuel. We have no energy if we don’t eat carbs,” laughed LJ as he bit into a chocolate chip cookie.

Annie gave him the side-eye, “I agree, but that cookie is not a healthy source of carbohydrates, especially since you’re getting ready to exercise. Not eating correctly before your workout means you won’t have enough energy to maximize your effort, and you won’t burn as many calories.

Ideally, two hours before exercising, you should eat healthy carbs like oatmeal or other whole-grain cereals. Whole wheat sourdough toast (toasting breaks down some carbohydrates) is good, or a smoothie made of fat-free yogurt and banana with chia seeds. Also, an egg and mushroom omelet. The key is to eat easy-to-digest carbs and avoid saturated fats and a lot of protein because it will make you feel sluggish. And don’t forget water to stay hydrated.”

LJ started stretching his legs, “I’m meeting the guys in 20 minutes for a run; that’s why I’m eating this cookie for a quick energy boost.”

“The only thing that cookie will do is give you a sugar high followed by a crash. Instead, try apple sauce, which is easy to digest, and its natural sugar gives you steady energy over a prolonged time. The amount of…