CBD and the Best Foods to Eat Before Working Out
Foods containing high carbs are usually the best kind to take before a workout. Image Credit: By artem evdokimov on Shutterstock
High-performance athletes like UFC’s Gina Mazany, and NFL linebacker Derrick Morgan have been known to take CBD to help up their game. Such athletes have been doing so for years — especially since the World Anti-Doping Agency lifted its ban on cannabidiol.
Now everyone from fitness fanatics and those dedicated to working out at their maximum potential are pushing boundaries, to casual exercisers are taking CBD as a pre-workout booster to help them get the best out of their performance.
This is all down to CBD having anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help the body to heal. Many pros prefer it to NSAIDs, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because taken consistently over time they can cause significant damage to the liver)\. CBD also helps calm the body and promote sleep. So doesn’t it make more sense to take CBD after you work out?
Consuming CBD post-workout can help, but there are actually additional benefits to taking CBD before you hit the gym.
Why Taking CBD Before Working Out Helps
Taking CBD before you start pushing yourself makes sense. For starters, it gives you a running start in helping your body to recover and grow.
But because CBD works in conjunction with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help the body stay in balance, keep you calm and relaxed and promote sleep, taking CBD before working out also helps with stamina to keep your performance level consistent and up at the middle and end of your routine, at the level you were at the beginning.
Taking CBD as a pre-workout also helps to keep you relaxed, which allows you to free your mind and focus. Many pro-athletes call it “getting in the zone’ or ‘in the flow.” That doesn’t mean you’re high and out of it. CBD is non-psychoactive.
How to Take CBD Before Your Workout
CBD comes in many forms — vaping, dabbing, sublingual tinctures, CBD gel caps, and supplements to name a few. Ingesting CBD can take up to several hours but depends on things like metabolism, weight, and height. People have different tolerance levels with CBD so start off with small amounts and adjust to make sure you get the most out of your exercise sessions.
Pre-Workout Foods for Maximum Performance
In addition to CBD, pre-workout nutrition is important to enable you to go harder when you exercise. It’s essentially needed to fuel your body. Here are some great food options to complement CBD, help power your workout and stay healthy doing it.
Greek Yogurt and Fruit: Protein-packed yogurt and carb-filled fruit packs a power punch. An excellent source of carbs for energy.
Hard-boiled eggs: Making sure to get enough protein into your diet is fundamental for building new muscle. Eggs are both easy and cheap, and are filled with great nutrients.
Bananas: Loaded with healthy carbs and potassium to support muscle function and nerves.
Oats: Slow-release carbs due to high fiber content to keep your energy levels consistent
Granola bar: These small but tasty bars are brimming with nuts, honey and oats. All of which are another great source of fiber and healthy carbs.
Trail Mix: High-fat content, protein and calories to help gain muscle mass.
Dried Fruit: Super source of simple carbs. Dried fruit contains micronutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. In fact, it basically has the same nutritional value as fresh fruit.
Be sure to snack 30 minutes before working out, or 90 minutes if it’s a full meal.
As always when you supplement your diet for any reason, check with your doctor first — especially if you’re taking prescription medication for any health condition.
