Fuel for Fitness
What nutrient gives your body the quickest energy for exercise?
Carbohydrates – They break down into glucose, fueling muscles fast.
What is a clear sign that you need to drink more water?
Dark yellow urine, dry mouth, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded.
What nutrient helps repair and build muscle after exercise?
Protein, found in foods like chicken, eggs, yogurt, tofu, and beans
True or False: Only people who exercise a lot need to eat carbs.
False! Carbs are the brain and body's main energy source, even for daily activities and healing.
True or False: In ED recovery, reducing the frequency of exercise can help prevent overexertion.
True! Focusing on quality, enjoyable movement rather than intense or excessive exercise helps protect your body during recovery.
What happens if you don’t eat enough before exercising?
You may feel weak, dizzy, sluggish, irritable, or unable to perform well due to low blood sugar.
How does dehydration affect exercise performance?
It can cause muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, and slow reaction times.
How soon after a workout should you eat for best recovery?
Within 30-60 minutes to replenish energy and repair muscle.
True or False: You can always rely on hunger cues to know when to eat in ED recovery
False! In ED recovery, hunger cues can be delayed, diminished, or unreliable, so structured and regular eating is essential for nourishment and healing.
How do regular, balanced meals support your exercise routine in ED recovery?
They provide consistent energy, support muscle recovery, and lower the risk of injury by preventing low blood sugar.
If your body doesn’t get enough fuel, what does it start breaking down for energy?
Muscle tissue and organs, which can lead to muscle loss, slower metabolism, and long-term damage.
True or False: Only drinking water is enough if you’re sweating a lot.
False! Your body also needs electrolytes (like sodium & potassium) to prevent cramps and fatigue.
Why is rest just as important as exercise?
The body needs time to heal, rebuild muscle, restore energy, and regulate metabolism.
True or False: If you don’t feel sore after exercising, you didn’t work hard enough.
False! Soreness isn’t a measure of effectiveness—proper fuel & recovery matter more.
How does incorporating scheduled rest days and a variety of activities support a healthy exercise routine in ED recovery?
It prevents burnout, reduces the risk of compulsive exercising, and gives your muscles time to recover.
True or False: Exercising on an empty stomach burns more fat
False! It increases muscle loss and can make your body hold onto fat as a survival response.
In ED recovery, why might someone feel bloated when increasing water intake?
The body is adjusting to proper hydration levels after potential restriction but will regulate over time.
What happens if you exercise a lot but don’t eat enough
It can cause fatigue, muscle loss, weakened bones, heart problems, and injury risk.
True or False: You have to exercise to 'deserve' food.
False! Food is a basic need—your body deserves nourishment no matter what.
Why is seeking professional guidance important when planning your exercise routine during ED recovery?
Professionals like dietitians and therapists can tailor exercise plans to your unique nutritional needs and recovery goals, ensuring your activities are safe and supportive.
In ED recovery, why is it important to eat enough even if you’re not exercising?
Your body needs energy for healing, digestion, brain function, and daily movement—not just workouts
What’s a good way to hydrate if drinking water feels difficult?
Eating hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, yogurt, or drinking tea and juice
What’s a common sign of over-exercise in someone recovering from an eating disorder?
Exercising despite exhaustion, guilt from missing a workout, dizziness, or avoiding rest days.
True or False: "Skipping meals before working out helps you lose weight faster."
False! It slows metabolism, causes muscle loss, and increases injury risk
What does a balanced approach to exercise look like in ED recovery, and why is it important?
It involves engaging in moderate, enjoyable activities (such as walking, gentle yoga, or stretching) rather than intense workouts, ensuring both physical and emotional recovery.