Fueling Up: What to Eat Before a Zumba Workout

If you're trying to lose weight, you want to lose it fast, right? And many people think to lose weight fast, they need to drastically limit their calorie intake, but starving yourself is NOT the way to go for the biggest, healthiest, longest-lasting weight loss. Nutritionists agree, you have to eat to lose! But, what to eat, what to eat?

About an hour before a workout, for an energy-boost, go for a combination of complex carbohydrates and protein.The carbs give long-lasting energy, and your body will need the protein after muscle protein is broken down during your exercise program. Have fun trying different combinations like these:

• apple slices and peanut butter
• oatmeal and raisins, cranberries, or blueberries
• baked pita chips, hummus, and grapes
• whole wheat pita stuffed with grilled chicken and avocado
• scrambled egg on toast with orange slices

Remember, calories are needed to maximize your workout. If you go into it hungry, you won't have the energy you need to give it your all. And, depriving yourself, causes your body to work harder to let go of the extra weight, because you're making it wonder when you're going to feed it again!



Eating something everything three-four hours, and drinking plenty of water (experts say half your body weight in ounces of water/day is a good guide) is the best way to keep that energy flowing, and the metabolism going!