I Want Candy!!! Remember that song?
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| Mon, 07-06-2009 - 11:57pm |
Well it's time to start singing it again - check this.........
Candy... The Secret to a Better Workout?
NBA Champion Lakers’ player Lamar Odom credits candy for sweetening his on-court performance. This infamous sweet tooth is known for eating entire bags of chocolate or jellybeans the day of a game.
In an interview with the AP Odom said, "It's funny because the games I played well were the games where I ate candy for breakfast. It's the reason why I got double digits in points and rebounds. I guess I'm going to have to eat candy for breakfast in order to play well."
Sounds wrong, doesn’t it? An article in the New York Times did a little investigation about Odom’s king-sized sugar binging. They found research that actually proved the power of sugar improving athletic performance. Just a 180-calorie candy bar right before a workout was found to increase output more than water alone.
Now before you pour milk over a bowl of M&M’s here is a breakdown of what to eat when for an all-star workout:
- Two to three hours before: A solid meal, including protein and complex carbs. It will give you long-term energy. Think a sandwich, yogurt or a smoothie.
- 30 minutes before: Yes, it’s okay to have sugar here. Don’t reach for the king-sized candy bar though. Try fruit instead, it has the nutrients you need for recovery later, plus your blood sugar level will stay even rather than a quick spike. An apple or 100 percent fruit juice are your best options.
- During: H2Ohhh! It’s key to stay hydrated, so avoid losing focus and cool off with a chug of water. “If you’ll be at it for longer than 60 minutes, you need a sports drink to keep you going. It has a steady supply of readily available carbs that are your body’s preferred fuel,†said iVillage diet and nutrition expert Madelyn Fernstrom Ph.D., CNS.
- After: Go for just water if you’re trying to lose weight. Otherwise, choose some protein and easily digestible carbs, like whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk.
Moral of the story: Yeah, maybe a Kit Kat can give your workout a little boost but, nutrient rich foods and proper meals will do your body much more good.










I remember that song & will be happy to oblige :)
~ liz
Fruit is healthier - most definately.
But it's nice to know it's okay to have a treat now and again.
I guess it all goes back to what we've been saying 4evah!
"MODERATION IS THE KEY"
Nadine - deenie1979
I like a banana in the morning before a run.
And a kit kat with a cuppa coffee when I get back LOL
Dang!! I was
Hey Gae!