The food we put into our bodies is the fuel that keeps us going. It’s important to keep this is mind when we show up on the mat, sweat it out in reform and unleash on the boxing bag. Fuelling yourself with nutritious food before before any Upstate class will ensure that you are feeling energised and at your best. Here are our favourite go-to snacks:
Staying hydrated is number one. This means throughout the day and then before and after a class.
A protein smoothie is a great way to get in all your macronutrients in the one go before or after hitting the mat. Try a combination of almond milk, your favourite protein powder, bananas, a green vegetable, and any additional supplements you might like. If you’re new to adding greens to your smoothie, go for spinach, as you won’t taste the difference!
A banana and some almonds. This is the perfect pre class snack. When you’re low on energy or haven’t eaten much, the almonds will provide great protein and good fats to keep you satisfied, while the banana is packed with carbohydrates that will keep your energy levels up during your practice. Both are light, meaning you can move and stretch comfortably.
Go for alkaline foods post class. After a strong sweaty class there may be a lot of lactic acid in the body. Alkaline foods helps to balance out your acidity levels and bring some more balance back to the body. Go for raw foods and fruits like apples, avocados, berries and dates.
Protein should always be in your post class meal (and every meal). If you’re practicing nice and early in the morning, an omelette filled with veggies is a great choice, while after a night practice a serving of protein along with lots of fresh veggies could be another option.
Sometimes the right fuel is the difference between feeling sluggish on the mat and pushing that extra rep.
