Protein Bars Pre/Post Meals

[tracyvobs1]

What do you recommend eating pre/post weight training and pre/post cardio. Also if I do weight training and cardio in the same workout time frame?

What protein bars do you recommend? What should I be looking out for? What is the maximum amount of sugar per bar?

How much water do you recommend pre/post and durning workouts?

Thanks,

Tracy

[Tarheels]

Hi Tracy, :)

I'm not a fitness professional, but here's what I've heard and try to do. I try to get some protein and carb before my workout, and very soon after finishing, I refuel with more protein (especially) and some carbs. If I workout early in the morning, it is hard for me to eat then, so I may workout on an empty stomach. If not, I usually try for something small like a spoonful of natural peanut butter. Before your workout, I think the carbs are great to give you some energy and stamina. Afterwards, you want to refuel with protein to "feed" your muscles you are building.

As far as protein bars, many can be as sugary as candy bars. On the other hand, I don't like the ones with sugar alcohols that are lower carb because they are unnatural and also hard on many people's digestive tracts. I really like Myoplex Lite because it's low carb, but has no sugar alcohol. I also like Luna bars. Balance bars and Zone bars are also good, but do have more carbs/sugar. For a fairly natural bar, there is Clif and there are others out there that are made of natural things and sweetened naturally. I try not to eat more than one protein bar a day and stick with more "real food" sources of protein whenever possible. They are wonderful when short on time, however, and I'm very happy to have them as an option.

As far as water, I've heard many different things. I would make sure you are hydrated prior to working out. I drink A LOT during my workouts (sometimes 32 oz or more), but I know many people can't do this or prefer not to do this. Then, immediately following my workout, I'll have another 16 - 32 oz. I just drink until I'm not thirsty. HTH :D