By Gillie Sutherland

Working out without ingesting any food to produce energy is not a good idea. Thus, food is important while exercising. Eating the right food as well as observing the proper timing of meals does matter. Ingesting a large amount of food before working out is not a good idea because it will make you feel nauseated and sluggish that will result to muscle cramps. This occurs because your body’s energy will work on digesting the foods that you eat hence the blood flow in the digestive system increases, leaving fewer amounts to the muscles.

Skipping a meal before working hard is not good either. Exercising with an empty stomach can cause low blood sugar, which will make you feel weak and light-headed. Ingesting the right foods that will provide you energy will help fuel your workout. In fact, eating a light meal prior to exercise may increase your fat-burning potential.

Having a meal or a snack prior to workout is necessary to produce energy needed for consumption while working out. Meals rich in carbohydrates like bread, pasta, fruits and vegetables are preferred before starting the exercise. Then, wait for about two to three hours before starting to workout. If you did not able to follow the timing and you begin to feel hungry, pick a small snack like a fruit or some fruit juice. Also, eating after work out is significant as well. This is to restore the energy that your muscles used when exercising. A post-workout meal should be consumed two hours after the workout, and it must be composed of some protein, some carbohydrate and some healthy fats. Read more…

Who doesn’t know hula-hoop? Lately this classic child’s play is earning its popularity in the arena of fitness. In the article of Sean d. Hamill in New York Times “Hooping Already Has Its Own Jane Fonda”, it brings hula-hoop to light as a tool which can be used as a workout routine.

This is a perfect alternative to add fun to your fitness routine. Running in the treadmill or working out in the gym can be really boring but hula-hoop can bring out your child’s fun memories.

More so, it is easy and can be done anywhere and anytime. It is also great activity to do with your children.

Sometimes you need to find a kind of workout that is entertaining to help you keep going. So in this matter, you can start hula-hooping. What a fun way to lose weight!

Read the full article ‘Hooping Already Has Its Own Jane Fonda’ from NYTimes.com