Nutritionist On How To Plan Your Diet Before And After Swimming

Swimming is a great way of exercising your muscles. With the help of swimming, muscle development, adequate sleep, mental health, balance, coordination, and a fit body can be achieved. But in order to achieve them, it’s important to have the right nutrition intake before and after swim classes. Nutritionist Pooja Makhija’s recent Instagram Reel talks about how one should plan their diet when swimming is on the cards.

The nutritionist and social media influencer revealed how a small meal is required before you dive into the water. Makhija suggested that one should eat small quantities of fruits, nuts, and yoghurt with seeds. She said, “Kick start your metabolism with something small. A serving of fruit, a handful of nuts, and some yoghurt with seeds. Top it with caffeine if need be.”

For your post-swim diet, Makhija mentioned that a large quantity meal will work better. She mentioned in the Reel, “Post the swim you have to have your larger meal. It could be breakfast, lunch, or dinner.” The nutritionist explained that consuming a heavy meal after your swimming session is much more beneficial because the body’s metabolism rate increases by 30 percent following such a workout.

The caption accompanying the Reel also stressed the importance of drinking water during swimming sessions. Makhija explained that consuming water can prevent dehydration as swimming can drain you at times. She captioned the reel, “Make the most of your fun summer swim that doubles up as a cardiovascular metabolic burner for you as well. The foods mentioned in the video are also super easy to get on most holidays anywhere in the world.” She also mentioned that water is the most important part of your diet both pre and post-swimming sessions.

According to BBC Good Food, making recovery post-swim is extremely important, especially if you have been unable to fuel appropriately before an early morning session. Swimmers can feel extremely hungry after swimming, as compared to running and cycling. This may be due to the cool pool water preventing a rise in temperature and associated appetite suppression.