A workout is considerably more than a single round of intense exercise. It is an excellent tool for getting your body in shape when combined with a good diet and adequate rest.
Whether you like an exciting Zumba class, a hardcore gym regimen, or an outdoor sport with your friends, being hydrated and well-fueled is important.
Throw out that tasty energy bar and the rainbow colored sports drink the next time you work out. Instead, incorporate honey into your workout arsenal to help you stay active and improve your fitness performance.
Benefits of eating Honey Before Workout
1. Boosts Energy
Honey has long been known for its health benefits and energy-boosting properties, making it an ideal pre workout snack. Consuming honey before exercise provides a steady source of fuel that lasts throughout your workout. Eating as little as one teaspoon of raw honey can give you enough energy to get through an hour-long session at the gym.
Natural sugars found in honey are quickly absorbed and converted into energy, allowing for quicker recovery times during rest periods and better performance on any activity. Not only does honey provide an energy boost, but it also helps regulate blood sugar levels throughout physical activity.
2. Helps Hydration
Honey has been used as a health tonic for centuries, and its hydrating properties are well-documented. Honey helps maintain hydration levels during exercise by increasing the sugar content in our blood, which helps keep water in our bodies longer so that we can stay hydrated for more extended periods of time.
It has the perfect balance of glucose and fructose, which helps your body absorb water quickly and efficiently. Plus, honey contains trace amounts of essential minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can help replenish electrolytes lost during strenuous exercise.
3. Heals Muscles
One of the primary benefits of using honey before your workout is its ability to aid muscle repair and recovery. The natural sugar content helps to fuel your muscles during exercise while also producing energy to help reduce fatigue levels after you’ve completed your workout.
Additionally, honey has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce post-exercise soreness and pain and promote faster muscle healing. Honey is packed with essential vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, which are essential for good muscle health. Plus, because it’s all-natural, there are no nasty chemicals or ingredients that can be damaging to your health.
4. Provides Fuel
Because honey has a lower glycemic index, it prepares your body for cardio and weight-lifting, making it an excellent carbohydrate recovery snack. Glucose, on the other hand, has a high glycemic index and quickly absorbs in the bloodstream, zapping your energies. The lower the glucose level, the more favorable. Honey is a better alternative because it has a healthy blend of fructose and glucose and can help you accomplish your fitness objectives.
5. Optimizes Metabolism
Sometimes you just don’t want to work out. When you’re tired or don’t feel like exercising, drink a glass of milk with a spoonful of honey for an instant energy boost that will motivate and inspire you to get moving. Honey is an organic sweetener that will help you maintain appropriate blood sugar levels and avoid hypoglycemia, allowing you to maintain your energy for longer. Honey improves your metabolism and provides a natural boost.
Ways to Take Honey as a Pre-Workout
1. Honey in Lukewarm Water
If you’re looking for an alternative to artificial energy drinks or supplements, then taking honey in lukewarm water may be just what you need. First, mix one teaspoon of pure honey into 8 ounces of warm water (not boiling!). This will create a light syrup to easily consume before your workout session starts. The carbohydrates present in the honey will provide immediate energy, while the fructose helps stabilize your blood sugar level during exercise.
2. Honey with Shakes
If you’re wondering how to take honey as a pre workout, one of the best ways is to add it to shakes! When making shakes or smoothies with honey, just be sure not to go overboard – about a tablespoon of honey per shake should do the trick.
You can also easily tailor your shake recipes by adding other ingredients, such as fruits and peanut butter. This will give your body some additional vitamins and minerals while providing fuel for an intense workout. Plus, adding some protein powder into your shake will ensure that all your hard work pays off in terms of muscle gain!
3. Honey on Toast
Who doesn’t love a tasty slice of toast topped with honey before a workout? Opt for whole-grain toast and spread it generously with raw, organic honey to ensure you get the most out of your pre workout snack. This is a great way to get some slow-burning energy that will give you sustained energy for your workout. Adding nuts like almonds or walnuts will also help add more protein to the snack and keep you fuller longer. Toast topped with honey is an easy, delicious way to fuel up before any physical activity.
4. Honey with Snacks
Honey with snacks is one of the easiest ways to get some sweetness into your pre workout routine. You can mix some honey into oatmeal, cereal or yogurt and top it off with some nuts or seeds for extra crunch – this makes for an ideal breakfast before hitting the gym.
Final Thoughts
Pre-workout honey consumption is a great way to improve your workout. It can provide you with the energy and stamina needed to make it through an intense session. It can as well as help your body recover afterwards. So if you’re looking for a natural energy boost before hitting the gym, honey is definitely worth considering!
Punit