What Fuels You?

It seems a little weird to be posting about workouts and the like since I’ve really dropped off the map in that direction, even though I am still working hard to train towards running that 10K next year. I have been pretty quiet in talking and updating about it.

ETB Fit reached out to me and inspired this post regarding nutritional lifestyles and how we fuel ourselves before, during and after a workout. That sounds rather fun to do.  Its a good way to help me look at what I do now.

So, what does fuel me?

What I eat pre-workout?

Before working out, or in general, while I’m in the training phase, I try to be more aware of what I eat.  For one, I’m horrible at hydration so I work hard to make sure that I have lots of liquids from water to tea.  When I  used to do Dragonboat, I would sometimes bring diluted energy drink to keep the energy flowing.  Usually, if I know that I’m going to run or Zumba class (which is more like my current workout focus), I choose better snacks during the work day. Something like fruit energy bars or nuts (natural non-flavored almonds) and the best is when I can bring fruits, simply like clementines, bananas or apples. I also make sure to have protein like chicken or peanut butter sandwich(when I’m in a hurry). My pre-workout foods vary quite a bit.

Although I don’t take any pre-workout supplements, perhaps you do and you could always hop over to ETB Fit and check out their line here*.

What music do I listen to during workout?

If I’m at Zumba class, they have their own latin music so that’s not something I need to think about.  I normally run without music.  Partially because I don’t have a holder and my hand is already busy holding my phone that has the running app tracking my route, distance and time. However, when I do weights, I pop on some electronic music to rev things up a little. Plus, its very rhythmic so the beat helps me stay constant when I do reps and not rush through my moves.

For the kicks, here is my Youtube playlist for workouts that I go to.  I haven’t updated it in a while but you get the idea 😉

How do you switch up routines daily/weekly to stay motivated?

What are you talking about? I’m always motivated!  Just joking! 😉

Actually, I usually try to follow challenges or pre-set routines.  When I do runs, I’ll use the Nike Running App to set the coach to make sure I stay on track. I like it a lot because it sets an 8 week program that helps you prepare for a certain mileage that you want to aim for. If I do workout/strength training (more so in winter), I follow Nike Training Club workouts one or two months out of the winter.  It helps vary the workouts a little more while keeping a steady routine whether its toning, slimming down or building strength.  These are in 4 week programs so its very effective.  However, when I do make my own workouts, I tend to like to flip the days I’m working out around and also try to rotate around doing yoga, circuit training and full body training.  I also do change around and do more focussed training whether its abs, legs or arms.  One thing I do need to work on more is definitely adding in is do back strengthening to balance things out a little.

This reminds me that I need to be heading back to do some 30 day challenges 😉 Setting continuous goals and challenging myself is how I stay motivated.

What do I eat or do after the workout to make sure I get the most out of my workout?

For one, I rest, rehydrate and make sure to stretch lots for the next day or two, depending when I have the next workout.  I always believe (so I try to do it the best I can) that eating good and clean and healthy is the way to go.  After strength training, I usually grab some protein shake depending on what time it is.  Although I don’t drink it as much as I should, I do it because it does help my body recover.  If not, I go for fruits and veggies.  In general, just trying to stay eat as clean and healthy as possible 🙂

What fuels you? Do you take protein powder or other supplements before, during, or after workouts? What eating habits do you have to help promote healthy living? 

**Please note that this is my sharing of what fuels me.  ETB Fit inspired this post however I am not being compensated.  As I’m not very knowledgeable in these forms of supplements, I did ask my fiancé to take a look at it.  Paraphrasing what he said: A good line of products that covers all basics from vitamins to protein powders and pre-workouts, etc.  What stood out [for him] was the natural whey protein which has a decent amount of protein per serving and sweetened with stevia along with it being from grass-fed cows (hormone-free).  These are just our opinions. **