How should I fuel for a workout?

My favorite pre-workout fuel is a protein shake. It's easy, fast, and satiating. I load mine with non-dairy, non-soy, plant- or animal-based protein powder, frozen raspberries, kale, avocado, and freshly ground flaxseed, with unsweetened coconut or almond milk. 

Never skimp on calories before, during and or after workouts. One hour before or one hour after workouts is your window where you need to be sure to fuel properly. A steady aerobic effort of less than 90 minutes doesn’t demand fuel replacement (you will still need to replace fluids, but you don’t necessarily need a gel or a sport drink). Alternately, high intensity efforts do demand the replacement of calories throughout a workout, so a gel or sport drink is appropriate. Following a workout, be it a high or low intensity effort, fuel up. If you eat something following your workout you not only speed up your recovery, you also are less likely to overeat later. Don’t take this too far though, for example, a piece of fruit (100-150 kcal) is ample for a recovery food following a shorter indoor workout over the winter. Another tip is to snack frequently: We all know we make poor choices when we are starving, so try not to get to that point throughout the day. Instead eat 5 smaller meals throughout the day, every 2-4 hrs take in 200-500 kcals instead of the 1000 kcal meal for dinner.

Fuel for a workout should be primarily carbohydrates. If it is within one hour of your workout, you should have a quick digesting carbohydrate such as a piece of fruit, juice, a granola bar, or a smoothie. If it is about two hours out, it can be a snack consisting of carbohydrates and a small amount of fat or protein. If you are eating about three to four hours prior to your workout, it should be a meal consisting of three food groups. If you are working out over two hours, you will need to be fueling during your workout with some form of quick digesting carbohydrate. This can be in form of a sports drink, gel, gummies, or fruit. You should be careful to practice your sports nutrition before a big event to make sure your stomach tolerates what you are eating. 

Eating right is essential to getting the most out of exercising. In this video, Dr. Joy Dubost explains what to eat and when so you can properly fuel your workout.