How to Eat Right for a Fitness Program

Exactly how to eat for a fitness program will vary depending on the goals you have set. An individual on a weight loss plan will have slightly different dietary needs than someone who is training for a marathon. Ultimately, the main goal of any fitness program is to increase your health and what you eat should be a complement to that fact.

• It’s important to keep the body hydrated. Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water each day, especially during exercise.


• Reduce or eliminate the amount of junk food you consume. Junk food, also known as "empty food", is full of calories, fat, sodium, sugar and other harmful additives.


• Don’t crash diet. Crash or starvation diets actually hinder your fitness program and minimize weight loss.


• Fuel your muscles. In order for your muscles to work they need energy, and glycogen is the body's main source of energy. Eating carbohydrates is the best way to feed your body with glycogen. However, don't overload on carbohydrates. You should eat 5 to 6 grams of carbs per kilogram of body weight. Divide your weight by 2.2 in order to convert pounds to kilograms.


• If your fitness program involves intense training, you may need to increase your protein intake. Consult with a personal trainer or nutritionist to asses your specific needs.


• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Consume at least three to five servings of vegetables each day and two to four servings of fruit.


• Don't eliminate fat from your diet. Even if you are on a weight loss program, fat should be including in your diet. Consider choices that are higher in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats than saturated fat.