2. Lower Your Weight. If you're overweight, you might not have to lose as much as you think to make a difference. In one study, people who had prediabetes and lost 5% to 7% of their body weight (just 10-14 pounds in someone who weights 200 pounds) cut their chances of getting diabetes by 58%.
Ideally, two to four hours before a workout, eat a meal that is rich in complex carbohydrates (think oatmeal or brown rice), moderate in lean protein (think chicken or low-fat and fat-free dairy foods), lower in fat (think nuts and oils) and fiber (think broccoli and cauliflower) and includes plenty of fluids (think water or low-calorie beverage).
Here's my guide for everyday athletes on what to eat before and after your sweat sessions: Pre-Workout. [See Facts and Myths About Fueling Up Before Your Workout ]. People often ask me how far in advance they should eat before exercising. Generally, the answer is an hour. So if you're heading to a 7 a.m. spin class, fuel up at 6 a.m. Of course, when time is tight, you may be running out the door with nothing in your stomach.