Ummm….oops! My post I had scheduled for earlier today accidentally published late last night instead. Looks like you got a three-fer here on FFF yesterday! I have lots to talk about anyways so it works. Did you miss those posts because they published so fast? I started something I’m excited about and need some suggestions for workout music!

Moving on. So, last night I was yet again unable to participate in the Fit Blog Chat of the week. The topic (courtesy of Monica) really intrigued me, however. It’s interesting to see what has changed over time in this topic, as I have let my food rules go.

Q1) Does when or how much you exercise impact what you eat? How?
When I exercise doesn’t really impact what I eat, but how much I exercise certainly does. I have to fuel properly for my activity. When I follow a regular exercise program, I make certain that I eat enough quality foods. I tend to crave healthier things when working out consistently as well.

Q2) What do you eat before you work out?
Right now, its usually my Chobani + apple snack like I mentioned yesterday. I typically like to have something lighter about an hour or so before I begin my workout. That equates to a snack with faster acting carbohydrates (like fruit) and protein (the yogurt).

Q3) What do you eat after a work out?
Right now, I work out after Peter gets home from work. That means I go workout, then come home and immediately prepare dinner. So whatever we have planned for dinner is my post-workout meal. Before I would have never let this happen. Post workout needed to be a protein shake with BCAAs (proteins for muscle recovery added in) and it would be the only time I “was allowed” to eat anything with sugar. Check out this flashback photo!!!

Q4) Do you eat more indulgently if you have exercised or plan to? What's your treat meal?
Nope. Like I mentioned above, I tend to eat better when working out regularly. I have more energy and want to keep that feeling. I enjoy the whole package of caring for my body – moving and eating nutritious foods. I used to equate eating treats with the calories I could burn in a workout. Now, I fit in treats when I want them…not because of the workout I did (or didn’t do) that day.

Looking at these questions I realize how far I have come. In my past, I planned workout nutrition to the tee. My food and workouts were so closely intertwined that I easily was sucked into the all or nothing mentality. Workout and eat good. Don’t workout and go hog wild with food. Or the opposite – don’t workout and don’t allow food….until I still end up going hog wild with it. I had to do things perfectly and follow all of the recommended guidelines.

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Now I want to focus on fueling myself throughout the day and believe that will sufficiently work for my exercise. When I train for a more serious event, like my possible goal for a half much later this year, I will then of course make sure to find fuel that works best for me pre and post workout. But for general fitness? It’s no sweat anymore. Pun totally intended. 😉

Question of the Day – What about you? Do you have specific things you do for pre/post workout nutrition? How does your eating relate to your exercise?

I’ve never been a huge worker-outer-to-music type of gal. When doing weights, I like to go sans music to really focus on what I am doing and get energy from others in the gym. When doing cardio, I typically would either take a group fitness class, do a DVD at home, or zone out in my own head. All of those options didn’t require music.

Yet, there is something different about the treadmill and getting into a running groove. Or a run/walk groove per the C25K routine. I craved music in my workout today. Speaking of my workout – LOVED IT!!!

I can’t wait to complete this program and then run my first 5K ever. I have my eye on one in the not too very distant future. 😉 Although, does this description sound too advanced or just right for a first 5K with a goal of just finishing?

Course is point to point. The surface is packed smooth gravel in the quarry with rolling hills to a flat finish.

Back to my music needs. Since I haven’t really worked out with music in years, I now need to download a whole new playlist for C25K. Any suggestions? I will admit that for workouts I like upbeat, peppy music (aka girly pop) and then also old school hits. Oh and energetic contemporary Christian hits. I already have a list including Glee, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Sir Mix A Lot, etc.

Any suggestions or favorites to share? Thoughts on the race description? And do you ever prefer NOT working out with music?