So how do you prepare and recover?
Having masses of energy before, during and after a Tabata workout can be hard. You need to find foods that give you different types of fuel to suit the situation.
Pre Workout Fuel
As you may already know, Tabata style workouts are extremely quick and intense. They are over within a matter of minutes.
This means that before working out you need to find something that’s quick and easy to consume which provides forms of “fast release” energy. With this type of energy, your body will be able to use it almost instantly hence helping you power through the workout ahead.
What to Avoid:
You may have heard of preworkout energy drinks. Although there is a time and place for these products, they are not recommended.
This is due to the sometimes dangerously high caffeine content as well as some extremely high amount of sugars packed into these energy drinks. Thinking of drinking a sugar free energy drink?
You may want to think again as even more chemicals and artificial sweeteners are added to these products which are known to, over time, lead to health problems.
Energy drinks and pre-workout products can also become addictive and after using these supplements before every single session you may start to rely on these to get through a workout.
When for any reason you don’t have access to one or want to stop consuming them, it can leave you feeling low throughout the day with withdrawal symptoms let alone having not enough motivation for the gym.
What To Choose:
You have a range of choices when it comes to getting in some quality sources of fast release carbs / energy.
Egg Yolk:
If your Tabata workout in the morning a fantastic example of a breakfast could include some egg yolks. These are rich in B-vitamins which convert food into the energy we need. They also contain vitamin D to maintain strong and healthy bones.
Furthermore, they are also a great source of protein which is essential for the day to help you reach your daily intake of protein.
With this you could include some other items for slow releasing carbs / energy throughout the day or a healthy choice of cereal.
Pumpkin Seeds:
A handful of raw pepitas or dry roasted pumpkin seeds can give you a natural jolt to power through a workout. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats and fiber, keeping you feeling full and energized longer.
Fresh Pressed Veggie Juice:
But what should I drink? Green Juice. Whip out the juicer, grab some kale, romaine lettuce, couple stalks of celery, a pinch of ginger, 1/2 of lemon and lime and about 3 medium sized carrots. Fresh juice will not only naturally hydrate the cells in the body, it will also carry micronutrients to aide in increasing the effeciency of the lymphatic, digestive and metabolic systems to name a few. Within moments of drinking this fresh juice, you can feel the body responding because absorption is immediate, thus allowing the elimination of toxins from the blood and creating a more alkaline state within the body.
Water:
One of the most important determinants of your energy levels is hydration. Dehydration kicks in much sooner and harder than starvation. Water is responsible for transporting all nutrients in the blood that we use for energy as well as getting rid of waste build-up that leads to fatigue.
Without enough water, we cannot metabolize the food we eat into fuel and ultimately cease to function properly. Always drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before and during workouts.
Post Workout Fuel
Post work-out fuel is a little easier. You may feel hungry and in need of a full on meal depending on the time of day. If this is the case, make sure to get a healthy, balanced meal consisting of your protein, carbs and fats.
If you’re looking for some slow release energy / carbs try:
Whole Grain Cereal:
Whole grain cereal is a fantastic source of Fiber and can slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream which leads to more consistent energy levels throughout the day and post workout. Organic Oats (Oatmeal) is an ideal fix as well as an awesome fiber source.
Just a few more ideas to incorporate into your eating strategies to help your fitness and lifestyle progression.
Thanks for reading,
Jeremy LaRochester