Eating Before Exercise

By Dr Jeremy Sims

It is generally recommended that you should never eat a large meal for between two to three hours before exercising. This recommendation is well based on scientific fact.

Following the ingestion of any meal, there is an increase in the flow of blood to the digestive system, supporting the absorption of nutrients. At the same time the blood supply to the muscles is significantly reduced, thus making them less efficient during exercise at this time. This effect is very much dependent on:

1. The time which has elapsed following the meal.
2. The amount of food eaten.
3. The degree of exercise.

Professional sports people aim to eat no later than three to four hours before competing. They therefore ensure complete digestion of food and a relatively empty stomach.

Source: http://www.fitnesszone.co.za/nutrition2.htm

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