This post is written in partnership with New Chapter, Vermont-based maker of whole-food vitamins and supplements, however, all opinions are my own. I only work with and recommend companies whose products I love, and I’m so excited to share these with you!
Ask Jenny: What Meal and Supplements Do You Recommend for Pre Workout and Post Workout?
‘ Dear Jenny, I’d love to know your thoughts on pre and post-workout meals and supplements – there is so much information out there and I’m pretty confused as to what is best for me!’
– Danielle, Boston
Such a great question Danielle, and one I get asked all the time!
In regards to pre and post-workout nutrition, it depends on what results you are trying to achieve from your workouts. For example, if you are looking to PB (personal best) a specific lift in the gym, or beat your best sprint time, then you may want to add in some clean carbohydrates 60-90 minutes before working out to fuel your muscles.
However, if you are working out for general fitness and wellbeing, you do not need to add any additional meals or snacks to your diet. If you are eating your protein, fat and fibre packed 3-4 meals a day and keeping your blood sugar stable and steady, that will be enough to fuel you through your workout and keep you going through to your next meal!
I typically work out in the morning, so the perfect breakfast for me is one of my Breakfast Smoothies, made with New Chapter’s Collagen Move. Collagen Move contains Types I, II & III collagen which has been scientifically studied to help support joint health, and it contains scientifically studied plant calcium that’s sustainably sourced from Lithothamnionred marine algae* for even more joint support! It’s in the form of hydrolyzed peptides making it super easy for your body to absorb and use, and blended with almond milk, avocado, leafy greens, flaxseed and a handful of berries it’s the perfect protein to support even the toughest of workouts.
In regards to supplements, I’m loving New Chapter’s Elite Performance & Recovery as my go-to workout supplement. I used to take so many different pre, during and post-workout supplements, and I love that I can now just take two of these easy to swallow capsules and get improved work output, lean muscle gains, immune support and post-workout pain relief! They are an incredible blend of grape seed extract, ginger, green tea, rhodiola, cordyceps, maca, and Astaxanthin, that I take about an hour before my workout.
Post-workout, there is nothing easier than adding New Chapter’s Active Magnesium Powder to my water bottle and giving it a quick shake – this is a perfect way to boost hydration after your workout as it contains full-spectrum Magnesium combined with coconut water and sea-sourced electrolytes to replace lost trace minerals and electrolytes. It’s also highly absorbable, 2.5x better absorbed than the leading brand (remember you aren’t what you eat, you are what you absorb)!* As I’m working out 6 times a week boosting recovery post-workout is key for me so I can jump back in refreshed and ready to go the next day, and the fact that its natural lemon raspberry flavor makes it taste great is a real bonus! I love that there is such a natural way to replenish and recover after my workout.
You can find all of the New Chapter products mentioned here in your local health food store, Whole Foods, on Amazon, or at www.newchapter.com.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
I’m a Holistic Nutritionist working in Boston, New York and London, and every week I answer one of your most pressing questions on gut health, weight loss, skin nutrition, better sleep and more! Submit your questions to hello@jenniferhanway.com to have them answered on the site.