Hunger pangs before the gym can be a real pain… in more ways than one. Which poses the question… how am I going to eat without feeling stuffed and lethargic while I’m working out? Well there are options… quite a few of them. Just be sure your snack is light on protein, fat and fiber. Too much of those things and your snack will stall in your belly… meaning less energy going toward muscle contractions once you start exercising and maybe a stomach ache. It may seem confusing but making the perfect pre-workout snack doesn’t need to be complicated to make. Here are the Top 5 Foods To Eat Before A Workout:
Top 5 Foods To Eat Before A Workout
1. Protein Smoothie
The ingredients you can throw into your smoothie are endless. Start with a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder, some ice and go from there. Whether you add in bananas, a scoop of peanut butter or some berries, you can’t go wrong. It’s a little sweet and can be quite filling without making you feel like you need a nap!
2. Oatmeal and Fruit
Mix up some steel cut oats or traditional oatmeal with berries, bananas and some cinnamon. This is a perfect recipe if you’re planning on an intense workout or a long run.
3. Trail Mix
This is probably the most convenient of all the options. Store-bought trail mix has too much salt, sugar or preservatives, so it’s best to make your own. Pick your ingredients carefully; throw in some dry fruit, seeds, and nuts into a zip lock bag. I prefer to use raw nuts because they don’t have added salt.
4. Greek Yogurt and Fruit
Get some plain Greek yogurt and mix in fresh berries. Simple, light, and packed with protein to give you the energy you need.
5. Apples with Almond Butter
Slice up an apple, scoop out some almond butter and enjoy. Make sure to not eat more than a serving of almond butter. This snack will hold you over for your whole workout without making you feel too full.
No matter which pre-workout snack you choose, make sure to eat it an hour to half an hour prior to working out. Too short of a window in between eating and getting your exercise on may mean major cramps and a food coma… neither is going to help your workout. But taking in the right food before your gym session will help you get the best results out of your workout.
Now learn how using weights will actually help you loose weight.
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