Your Health Saudi Magazine مجلة دليلك الصحي Oct 2013 | Page 27

F

ood consumed before exercise
is only useful once it has been
digested and absorbed. This
means you need to time your food
intake so that the fuel becomes
available during the exercise period.
The time required for digestion
depends on the type and quantity of
food consumed. Generally, foods
higher in fat, protein and fiber tend
to take longer to digest than other
foods, and may increase the risk of
stomach discomfort during exercise.
Large quantities of foods take longer
to digest than smaller quantities.
Generally, food is better tolerated
during lower intensity activities, or
sports where the body is supported
(e.g. cycling) than sports such as
running where the gut is jostled about
during exercise. A general guide is to
have a meal about 3-4 hours before
exercise or a lighter snack about 1-2
hours before exercise.

YOUR HEALTH MAGAZINE OCT. 2013 | 27