when to eat dry fruits before or after workout - #38423
I am really confused about something that’s been bugging me lately... I’ve been trying to get into a healthier routine. This past month, I started working out regularly, and I'm trying to eat better too. I heard a lot about the benefits of dry fruits and how they can be good for energy and recovery. But I can't figure out when to eat dry fruits before or after workout! Like, I had some almonds yesterday right before hitting the gym, but they kinda felt heavy in my stomach while I was trying to do my routine. I read somewhere that dry fruits can provide a quick energy boost, but then I also hear people say you should eat them after your workout for recovery and muscle repair. Ugh, it's so confusing! My friend said that eating them before gives you the energy to push through, but what’s the point if I feel sluggish? Also, is it really just about timing or maybe the type of dry fruits? Should I stick to figs and dates and avoid, like, raisins or something? If anyone can clarify when to eat dry fruits before or after workout and how it can work best for me, that would be awesome! Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
Eating dry fruits can indeed be very beneficial to your workout routine, but timing and type do play an important role. Let’s dig into it based on Ayurveda and practicality.
Consuming dry fruits before a workout can sometimes feel heavy, as you’ve noticed. Almonds, for example, are dense in protein and fats, taking a bit longer to digest. If taken too close to exercise, they might feel heavy on the stomach and divert energy towards digestion. Ayurveda suggests paying attention to your Agni (digestive fire) – a sluggish digestion can be overwhelmed by heavy foods.
For a pre-workout snack, consider having lighter dry fruits such as dates or figs. They are rich in natural sugars, providing a quick energy boost without weighing you down. Ideally, consume them about 30 minutes to an hour before exercising. This way, your body can effectively turn the sugars into ready energy, helping you power through the workout.
Post-workout, your body is seeking nutrients for recovery and repair. Here, almonds, walnuts, or a mix of nuts and raisins can be more beneficial. The proteins in these nuts aid in tissue repair and muscle recovery. Additionally, these also supply essential fatty acids and antioxidants, crucial for reducing workout-induced oxidative stress. Consuming them within 30 minutes after finishing works well for providing your body with those essential recovery nutrients.
Besides timing, portion sizes matter too – a handful (roughly 1 ounce) is usually sufficient. Remember also to hydrate adequately, as the natural sweetness of dry fruits can be intense. You may also experiment with mixing light and heavy dry fruits to find what blend your body responds best to, as personal constitution varies. Keep mindful of how each change affects your energy and digestion, and adjust according to feedback from your body.

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