I usually work out in the afternoon, but last night I worked out around 7 and then I did my kickboxing this morning at 6:30. So it got me thinking about workout timing. Does it really matter when you workout? I did some research and came to the conclusion that it doesn't actually matter what time you workout. You just have to pick a time that works for your schedule so you are more apt to get your workout in. I usually plan the time I am going to workout the night before based on what I have going on during the next day. If we have a lot going on in the morning I will plan to workout while little A naps, or at night. It just takes a little planning and scheduling to get your workout in. However, what you eat before and after you workout matters. If you are planning a weight training workout you should have some protein and complex carbs about 1 to 1 1/2 hours before you plan to train. I will usually have a snack of a mozzarella cheese stick and an apple if I have already eaten breakfast for the day. Then after my workout I will have a protein shake, see some recipes here. It is important to have protein after a workout to help repair your muscles and to help with building them as well. I choose a protein shake because it is quick and easy. I usually don't feel like eating a full meal right after my workout. Do you schedule your workouts? What time of day works best for you? Do you have any favorite pre or post workout meals/shakes?
Recently I started using PB2 in my shakes if you remember. I ran out and when I was at The Vitamin Shoppe I found this little treat, Organic Chocolate Peanut Butter! It is so good in my shakes, it gives it a nice taste and kicks it up a notch. My sister asked if it tastes like a Reese's PB cup, and I think that if you close your eyes and pretend, it does! You can't deny that putting chocolate and peanut butter together was a genius idea, and now I have this little baby to add to my shakes...YUM! I haven't made it as a spread yet, I will let you know when I do!
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I am going to leave you on this rainy Saturday afternoon, a perfect day for baking, these two links for some clean eating treats. I am going to gather some of these ingredients tomorrow when I am grocery shopping and make some clean treats to have on hand. Like I always say, you really can't have too much chocolate!