HEALTH & FITNESS

Not only are you losing muscle by exercising hungry, but since you have no fuel to work out, you won't have the energy to exercise as long or as intensely as you would if you had eaten.

This translates to less overall calories burned. In another study, women who consumed 45 grams of carbs before working out actually ended up eating less calories the rest of the day, which also aids in weight loss.

In order to maximize your caloric burn, you want to eat a healthy snack before sweating it out.

Carbs rather than protein offer your body fuel, so make sure your snack has an emphasis on carbs. Simple carbs are best since they digest more easily than complex ones. About 15 to 30 minutes before your workout, try eating:
 

• Half a slice of whole wheat bread with one tablespoon crunchy peanut butter.
• An ounce of cheese with some crackers.
• Two tablespoons cottage cheese mixed with a quarter cup of sliced grapes.
• Handful of pretzels dipped in hummus.
• Half an avocado spread on toast or crackers.
• Half a banana mixed with half a cup of yogurt.

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