Whether you’re a total beginner or a long-term enthusiast, you need to do the right things to prepare for each of your Krav Maga courses. Not only will your classes burn a ton of calories, but they will also require a great deal of mental energy and focus. The best way to prepare for both aspects of training is to make sure you’re fueling up ahead of time. A nutrient rich diet that includes a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and fat is the secret to feeling great and staying strong as you train.
Far too many people choose to work out on an empty stomach, especially if they are hoping to lose weight. Contrary to popular belief, skipping your pre-workout fuel will do more harm than good.
As your body runs out of glycogen reserves and doesn’t have any calories to replace them with, you will begin to feel dizzy, sick, and uncomfortable. Much like how a car can’t drive on an empty tank, your body can’t train without proper fuel. What’s the point in taking Krav Maga courses if you’re not going to provide yourself with everything you need to succeed?
Putting Together a Diet Plan: What do You Need for Pre-workout Fuel?
Sparring, weight lifting, CrossFit, and other aspects of your Krav Maga courses are all physically intense and require plenty of carbohydrates to burn for fuel. Your body will also need protein to build those strong muscles. Of course, foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins are also important. Your overall diet needs to include all of these nutrients in balance, and you don’t have to stick to a strict diet plan to pull it off. You just need to be mindful of what you’re eating.
When it comes to pre-workout fuel, carbohydrates are your friend. Healthy sources of carbohydrates include whole-grain pasta or bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and fruit smoothies. Of those possible choices, oatmeal makes one of the best pre-workout snacks because it contains a nice mix of carbohydrates and fiber, helping you feel full for longer. It also provides a bit of a “blank canvas” for a meal, allowing you to dress it up whatever way you like.
Adding other foods to your oatmeal will not only make it tastier to your palate, but will add additional nutrients as fuel for your Krav Maga courses.
Some interesting ways to eat oatmeal include:
- Mixing in yogurt or milk for a creamier treat
- Adding dried fruits or nuts for texture and sweetness
- Topping with cinnamon
- Making a savory and protein-rich version by adding chopped sausage, egg, and spices
- Blending in cooked oatmeal with your favorite smoothie or protein mix
Snacks to Keep You Going During Training
Even if you properly fuel up ahead of time, you might find yourself running on empty halfway through your training. This is especially true if you train for more than a couple hours at a time. You can solve this problem by bringing some snacks to keep you going during training.
Healthy snack ideas include:
- Granola bars
- Protein smoothies
- Bananas, apples, and dried fruit
- Seeds and nuts
- Honey
- Whole-grain cookies or bars
Krav Maga Worldwide: Nutritional Advice from the Experts
Different people have different dietary needs. Here at KMW, we are proud to have a licensed nutritionist on staff to help you figure out the best diet for you. If you have questions about pre-workout fuel for your Krav Maga courses, please contact us today. With proper nutrition and the right attitude, your training will help you become the very best you can be.
