Tamra's Fitness Tips: The Best Workout Snacks

Fitness fanatic Tamra Judge loves to snack. The Real Housewives of Orange County star recently shared her daily diet with us during her series of health and exercise posts here on the Dish, and we found out she eats six meals a day! This week, Tamra sheds some light on two of those meals, specifically what she eats before she hits the gym and what she eats to aid recovery after a tough sweat session.

Kristina Rollins from Facebook asked, "What are the best pre- and post-workout snacks?"

As you know our bodies work to build muscle and recover 24 hours a day. Healthy, timed snacks can give our bodies the fuel we need to burn fat, gain muscle and recover.

I took on a habit recently that helped me eliminate that term "snack." By definition, a snack is "a small amount of food eaten between meals." This could be almost anything. What I look for are small meals throughout the day, each having a balanced nutritional consistency of protein, carbs and good fats. For example, rather than having a protein bar before workout, I have apple slices or a banana and one scoop of peanut butter or almond butter. After a workout, I look for food sources that are high in protein to feed my body with the proper nutrients essential to build and repair it. This could be a piece of chicken with some veggies or a fresh veggie juice with Egg Whites, International. (These particular egg whites are tasteless, orderless and have no slimy feeling...just pure protein without filling you up.)

I am not a nutritionist and don't completely feel comfortable giving out nutrition advice. I have been working with a nutritionist name Cara Clark for the past couple years and would love to pass on her information. She has a very educational Facebook page with healthy recipes and group challenges, and she will answer any questions you have.

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