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How should I time my meal before football training to boost performance?
Aim for taking a carb-rich pre-exercise meal 1-4 hours before exercise to boost performance. Optimal timing depends on the type of training, meal size and composition, individual tolerance and preferences.
Why is the timing of my meal before football relevant?
- Fueling muscles: Eating a meal rich in carbs at least 3-4 hours before exercise can increase muscle glycogen stores, which has been associated with enhanced exercise performance.
- Maintain blood glucose: Eating carbs up to 1 hour before exercise provides a readily available source of glucose for energy and contributes to liver glycogen replenishment, which are crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels during exercise.
- Enable optimal carb intake: Timing your meal well in advance, especially before high-intensity training sessions, enables you to consume larger amounts of carbs. This aids in meeting your carb requirements and boost performance.
- Avoid gut issues or feeling empty: Dependent on the size and composition of your meal, eating shortly before exercise can cause gastrointestinal discomfort during a training or match. However, leaving a big gap between your meal and exercise may lead to feeling empty or hungry during your ride. Finding the right balance helps prevent a drop in performance.
How do I get the timing of my meal before football training on point?
- 3-4 hours before: Consume your last big meal rich in carbs to contribute to muscle glycogen replenishment and avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. This is especially important in high-intensity exercise when carb needs are high. This is also the case on a match day.
- 1-2 hours before: Take a smaller meal or snack rich in carbs when time is limited to support glycogen replenishment and support maintaining blood glucose levels during exercise.
- Up to 1 hour before: Consider consuming an extra snack to fulfill total carb needs, ensure readily available energy for exercise, support maintaining blood glucose levels, and prevent feelings of hunger or emptiness.
Paying attention to the timing of your pre-exercise meal can boost your overall performance. Use the FoodCoach App to structure your training and receive customized pre-exersise nutrient recommendations, time your meal accordingly when possible.
Popular pre-training meals and snacks
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Definitions
- - Carbs: Carbohydrates are macro-nutrient found in various forms, including sugars, starches, and dietary fiber, primarily serving the function of providing energy to the body. - Glycogen: Stored form of carbs in the liver and muscles, serving as a readily accessible source of energy for the body during periods of high energy demand. - Glucose: A simple sugar, often referred to as blood sugar, that remains when carbs are broken down and is transported in the bloodstream. - Blood glucose: Refers to the concentration of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream, which serves as a crucial energy source for endurance athletes during prolonged physical activity. - Gastrointestinal discomfort: Unpleasant sensations or symptoms that affect the digestive system, particularly the stomach and intestines. These symptoms can include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness.
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