People worldwide strive to achieve physical perfection by obtaining a beautiful, slender body and feeling fit and attractive. However, only some are prepared for the arduous gym workouts and strict diets that often lead to giving up altogether. Running, as a popular sport, can be a good escape. It provides energy for the entire day, helps maintain physical fitness, and enhances mood. So what’s the benefit of running in the morning? When is it better to start running: in the morning or evening, before breakfast, or on an empty stomach? And what to eat before a morning run? Let’s find out.
Benefits of Running in the Morning
Running in the morning is considered to be one of the most popular sports since it helps to:
- Cultivate self-discipline. There is no doubt that only a few people love leaving their warm beds at dawn to go out, especially in winter. However, running before breakfast is exactly what encourages better discipline – the key to success in everything.
- Lose extra pounds. Running in the morning is the number one choice among women since they traditionally dream of having a seductive and slim body admired by everyone. A daily morning run routine guarantees impressive results even without exhausting diets.
- Heal and strengthen the whole body. Running in the morning is a prime choice for people who want to stay healthy and fit at any age. Daily running before breakfast helps strengthen one’s cardiovascular system, improve skin condition, and stabilize the hormonal background. Cardiology scientists conducted interesting research: they studied 100 people of different genders suffering from high blood pressure, and after that, included running before breakfast into their morning routine. One month after active training, scientists noticed a significant blood pressure decrease. Moreover, patients with a long medical history of high blood pressure and permanent headaches enjoyed obvious benefits of running in the morning before breakfast.
- Fight internal anxiety and stress. Scientists claim that running in the morning helps to overcome stress, significantly improve one’s mood, and decrease inner anxiety and tension. It’s all about the hormones released while running before breakfast. Serotonin and dopamine (better known as hormones of happiness) received by the brain during a morning run become indispensable assistants in overcoming stress.
What to Eat Before a Morning Run
Running in the morning is undoubtedly beneficial; still, it is a high-energy activity. Therefore, those who have made morning runs a part of their routine must prioritize the pre-run diet to maximize benefits.
However, it is equally important to identify the foods that should be avoided in one’s diet. Check out the list of foods prohibited before running in the morning:
- fatty foods (pastry, fried foods, butter, cream);
- simple sugar (sweets with a high glycemic index);
- alcohol and carbonated drinks;
- legumes.
So, what should one eat before a morning run? Experts suggest that a good pre-morning run meal includes traditional oatmeal or muesli with fruits. Healthy snacks such as crackers, bars, and fresh or dried fruits are recommended for those who don’t usually eat breakfast at dawn or feel hungry. A fruit smoothie with protein or toast with nut butter can also be a great option. Starting your day with a proper breakfast can make running in the morning more comfortable and enjoyable.
Running in the Morning vs. in the Evening: Pros and Cons
Running in the morning may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly has its perks. The early birds are the ones who enjoy it the most, while the sleepyheads aren’t ready to leave their warm beds at dawn. However, have you ever wondered about the benefits of running in the evening?
If you’re more of a night owl than an early bird, running in the morning might feel like an obligation rather than a joy. But don’t worry: running in the evening can be just as good for you as a morning run! In fact, it can even help you unwind after a long day at work. Running in the evening can help reduce stress and tension from all the daily worries that can weigh us down. So, if you want to reap the benefits of running without sacrificing your nightlife, an evening run might just be the perfect solution!
What to eat the night before a long run? The question is about something other than the quantity of consumed food but its quality. Indeed, as in the case of running in the morning, the food choice should be healthy and rich in nutrients. However, unlike the food choice before running in the morning, dinner foods should be light so as not to overload the digestive system. Fish dishes are a wise choice for deciding what to eat the night before a long run. A dinner menu can also include fresh vegetables and roasted low-fat meat.
Anyone who decides to test the benefits of running in the morning won’t regret it for a moment. The main thing is to study the details carefully, paying attention to what to eat before a morning run, what sportswear and shoes to choose, and at what time to run, what to eat the night before a long run. The results of a daily run will not take long. And remember that inaction breeds depression, while movement leads to a happy and harmonious life!