Should You Snack During Your Fitness Workout?

Some workout programs require an above-average time investment. Usually, these will include longer distances of running, rucking and swimming as the biggest consumers of your training time. If you are considering joining the military, especially special operations, you must find the time to do these workouts to be best prepared. Here is an email from a military recruit who will be attending dive school training during his initial training after boot camp:

Stew, When I do longer workouts that include running and calisthenics, followed by swimming, I get tired and find myself unable to finish the swim or swim well if I do. Do you recommend snacking before swimming, as it feels like I am running out of gas, or just swimming later in the day? Thanks, Steven.

One thing is certain: This is no 30-minute gym workout that will prepare you for a long day of military/special operations training; you must put in the time. My advice is to do both options regularly. This will help you create fueling strategies to perform at your best. You may find that when the temperature is hot and humid, you will need more water, electrolytes and carbohydrates for quick refueling.

During your long days (and nights) of training, you will need to get used to longer workouts. However, you will also need to get used to doing a second workout later in the day after a few hours. Perfecting these essential cardio events will help you with your overall work capacity, whether an afternoon swim, ruck or something that lasts an hour or more.

Finding what works best for you and your digestive system is the key to success. The last thing you need is something that upsets your stomach or goes right through you when doing extended physical activity. Over the years, honey, pieces of fruit, carbohydrate/electrolyte drinks, juices and peanut butter have all been good sources of calories and quick energy, functional to keep you in the game each day. These snacks can be kept in backpacks, pockets or your locker, and you can access them throughout the day for a quick 200-300 calories, if needed.

However, there will be long days, and you may not have access to extra food, so ensure you eat well before the day starts. Adding extra calories during regular mealtimes will be helpful when the day turns to night and you are still running, rucking or carrying equipment. Sometimes, you must run on empty and rely on fat reserves to break down for emergency energy. Having some bulk to handle those days will be helpful, too.

The one thing you cannot forget -- as doing so is the quickest way to end your military/spec ops training goals -- is not to stay hydrated. Adding electrolytes is also necessary, as the danger of becoming a heat casualty and full-body muscle cramps will soon follow if you do not stay on top of replenishing the water lost throughout the day.

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