Trainer Andree helps you prepare for our May 28th Pushups for Charity Challenge

Have you been practicing your pushups? With our Pushups for Charity Challenge being just around the corner I hope you are all geared up and ready to perform! That morning, make sure you are well hydrated, well rested and also properly fueled to take that challenge.

But what should you eat before? I know you are not running a marathon but make sure you have a pre-workout snack before you take part in this event. A lot of people don’t realize the importance of eating a snack before and after a workout.

If you come in on an empty stomach, you might find yourself lacking energy and endurance to be at your very best. You wouldn’t want to be nauseous or light headed. Before any workout you want to make sure you have carbohydrates and protein. Carbohydrates are what fuel your body. You will need them to have energy during your workout and also to replace any glycogen lost throughout the workout. Protein is necessary to rebuild your muscles after your workout as you will have caused some micro-tears in your muscles. The rule is consume more carbs before your performance and more protein after your performance!

Here are a few ideas for a pre-workout snack: an apple and almonds, a kamut bread toast with 1 tbsp of almond butter, or a banana with a yogurt.

I like eating a granola bar before my workouts – ones that have nuts and seeds and very few processed ingredients. Below you will find a recipe for a healthy granola bar. You might find it hard to resist eating a few servings but make you are not too full to do your pushups 😉

Cinnamon Almond Raisin Flax Granola

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: lots

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1/3 cup almonds (preferably chopped or slivered)
1/3-1/2 cup agave nectar
1/3 cup flax seeds
2-3 teaspoons cinnamon
3 tablespoon wheat germ, optional
1/2 cup raisins

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Combine all ingredients except raisins.
2. Spread evenly onto a large baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring mixture every 5 minutes.