Pilates Nutrition: Eat Right for Better Results

Many ask, what and when should you eat before, during, and after engaging in Pilates exercises?

Pilates Nutrition Plan

Pilates involves a lot of core work on the mat. However, it does not require a special diet. To fully utilize Pilates nutrition, individuals should consider what foods keep their bodies feeling the most balanced. A balanced nutrition plan can enhance Pilates practice by:

• Providing sustained energy
• Supporting muscle recovery
• Promoting overall well-being

Pre-Pilates

Timing

• Eat a light meal or snack 2-3 hours before a class or a smaller snack 30 minutes before.

Food Options

• Eat complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for sustained energy.

Avoid

• Heavy, greasy, or spicy foods may cause discomfort during exercise.
• Foods that will make you gassy or cause queasiness.

During the Workout

Complex carbohydrates and lean proteins, with a little healthy fat, are good pre-Pilates meals, as they sustain energy better than simple carbs or sugary snacks. (American Heart Association, 2024) Suggestions for a pre-Pilates meal.

• Individuals can adjust the portion size.
• A protein shake that uses fruit can be convenient.
• Peanut butter on whole-grain bread offers a quick source of complex carbohydrates and protein.
• Yogurt with fruit.
• Small portion of oatmeal.

Because Pilates emphasizes using the abdominal muscles, individuals will want to ensure that any food they’ve eaten before their session is fully digested. Try to eat light before, like snacking on a banana or sipping on a smoothie for some carbohydrates for energy. Regardless of what is eaten, nutrition experts recommend waiting two to three hours after eating before exercising.

Maintain Hydration

• Drink water and/or eat hydrating fruits throughout the day, especially before and during the workout or class.

After Working Out

Individuals want to ensure their bodies have enough nutrients to strengthen their muscles and replenish their energy. Try a protein green smoothie afterward or a light snack with lean protein like fish or chicken and carbohydrates like whole grains. The diet between workouts will depend on weight loss goals.

Timing

• Consume a protein-rich snack or meal within 30-60 minutes after your class to aid muscle recovery.

Food Choices

• Focus on protein for muscle repair and carbohydrates to replenish energy stores.

Hydration

• Continue to hydrate to replenish fluids lost through perspiration.

While Pilates can complement cardiovascular exercise as part of a fat-burning workout program, health experts advise that losing weight will not come from exercise alone. Individuals will need to work on reducing their calorie intake overall. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023)

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References

American Heart Association. (2024). Food as fuel before, during, and after workouts. www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/food-as-fuel-before-during-and-after-workouts

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Tips for Maintaining Healthy Weight. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/about/tips-for-balancing-food-activity.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/calories/index.html