You shouldn’t exercise right after eating a large meal, as you may feel bloating or muscle cramping. It’s better to eat low-fiber, low-fat, and high-carbohydrate snacks 30 to 45 minutes before exercising.

“In general, you’ll want to eat a meal high in carbs and protein and low in fat roughly three to four hours before you exercise,” Cohen says, whether you’re trying to shed pounds or build muscle. Carbohydrates supply your body with the glycogen it needs for your yoga session, gym visit, or jog.

Some Examples of Pre-Workout Meals

• Sandwich on whole-grain bread, lean protein and a side salad.
• Egg omelet and whole-grain toast topped with avocado spread and a cup of fruit.
• Lean protein, brown rice and roasted vegetables.

Here are our top picks for what to eat right before a workout.

• Whole grain toast, peanut or almond butter and banana slices.
• Chicken thighs, rice and steamed vegetables.
• Oatmeal, protein powder and blueberries.
• Scrambled eggs, veggies and avocado.
• Protein smoothie.

Post-workout foods

• crackers.
• fruit (berries, apple, bananas, etc.)
• oatmeal.
• quinoa.
• rice cakes.
• sweet potatoes.
• whole grain bread.
• whole grain cereal.

There is no recommended limit on how many eggs people should eat. Eggs can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, but it’s best to cook them without adding salt or fat.

Much of the egg’s nutrition, including vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and choline (which may contribute to mental clarity), is housed in the yolk. Heart experts generally recommend limiting eggs to one per day or half a dozen per week.

Eating eggs leads to elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as the “good” cholesterol. People who have higher HDL levels have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and other health issues. According to one study, eating two eggs a day for six weeks increased HDL levels by 10%.

Eggs – whether it’s sunny side up, soft-boiled or scrambled – are a great pre-workout snack when consumed one hour before your training. Hands off hard-boiled eggs, though! They’re too hard on your stomach and digestion. Within one hour post-workout, eggs support muscle growth and the recovery of your muscle fibers.

Like most fruit, bananas are a great food to eat after a workout. Doing so can reduce inflammation and replenish muscle glycogen stores, ultimately promoting quicker recovery. In addition to helping with recovery, eating this fruit before or during a workout can be beneficial.