A loyal blog reader,  (Sandra from Moncton, NB) asked Rachelle , www.rachellewood.ca, this 3 part question.

Is it best to exercise in the morning or evening? Which is more important for weight loss, cardio or strength tranining? How do I fuel my body properly for exercise?

Rachelle’s Response:

Fitness experts will tell you to exercise in the am, as you continue to burn calories for many hours afterwards. This theory works because you will burn off the calories you are taking in during that day. In the evening try practicing light stretching and yoga to help unwind and relax before bedtime. Nothing too strenious. 

Both types of exercise are important for permanent weight loss so I’d have to say a mixture of both! Begin your workout with cardio and end with strength training and stretching. This will intensify your results. You may also choose so do cardio certain days of the week, and weight training the others.

Before exercise it is best to eat some carbohydrate (starch/ fruit/ dairy serving). Good examples would be fresh fruit, a low fat granola bar or a glass of milk. After exercise you should eat protein+ carbohydrate to rebuild and repair muscle mass after exercise. Some good examples include yogurt + fruit, cereal + milk, or rice + chicken. For your daily meal plan try to eat a high fiber, low fat diet. Don’t forget to stay hydrated during and post workouts. Basically you need to replace the fluid lost during exercise, so think 1 extra bottle per hour of activity. 

Thanks Sandra in Moncton for your question. Do you have a question to ask Rachelle Wood, Registered Holistic Nutritionist? Please email it to positivechange@rachellewood.ca