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 that three to four hours before competing. They
therefore ensure complete digestion of food and a relatively empty
stomach.
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