What Foods to Eat Before a Workout
Ever hit the gym feeling sluggish? You might be missing a key element in your fitness routine: a pre-workout snack. While a healthy diet is crucial, a well-timed snack can provide the extra energy boost you need to power through your workout and maximize your results. But what makes the perfect pre-workout snack? Let's explore some delicious and effective options to fuel your fitness goals!
The Right Fuel
Hydration is key! Experts recommend drinking 16-20 ounces of water 1-2 hours before your workout. Proper hydration ensures your body functions optimally during exercise.Your body needs readily available energy for exercise. The ideal pre-workout snack should be a low-fat option, containing around 100-300 calories and offering a winning combination of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Top 9 Pre-Workout Snack Ideas
Now, let's get to the tasty part! Here are some top-rated pre-workout snack ideas that will keep you energized and focused:
Oatmeal with Cinnamon and Berries: This classic combination provides complex carbs from oats and antioxidants from berries, along with a touch of sweetness from cinnamon.
Whole Wheat Toast with Nut Butter and Sliced Bananas: Whole wheat toast offers complex carbs, while nut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Bananas provide a natural energy boost with potassium.
Fruit Smoothie with Yogurt: This refreshing option blends complex carbs from fruit with protein from yogurt, creating a delicious and easily digestible snack.
Greek Yogurt with Granola and Berries: Greek yogurt packs a protein punch, while granola adds complex carbs and healthy fats. Top it with berries for extra antioxidants.
Half of a Turkey Sandwich: Lean turkey provides protein, while whole wheat bread offers complex carbs. This option keeps you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.
Raw Veggies with Hummus: Veggies provide vitamins and minerals, while hummus offers a delicious source of protein and healthy fats.
Whole-Grain Crackers with Low-Fat Cheese: Whole-grain crackers offer complex carbs, and low-fat cheese adds a protein boost. This is a simple and portable snack.
Cottage Cheese and Sliced Fruit: Cottage cheese provides protein and calcium, while fruit delivers vitamins and complex carbs. This snack is light and refreshing.
Trail Mix with Nuts and Dried Fruit: This on-the-go option combines protein and healthy fats from nuts with complex carbs and natural sweetness from dried fruit. Choose a mix with minimal added sugars.
Foods to Avoid Before Exercise
While some snacks are perfect pre-workout companions, others can hinder your performance. Here's what to skip:
High-Fat Foods: Fatty foods take longer to digest and can cause stomach upset during exercise.
High-Fiber Foods: Similar to high-fat foods, excessive fiber can lead to digestive issues during a workout.
Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can irritate your stomach, especially during exercise.
Unfamiliar Foods: It's best to avoid trying new foods right before a workout, as you don't know how your body will react.
Core Aesthetic
By incorporating these tips and choosing the right pre-workout snack, you can elevate your workouts, maximize your energy levels, and reach your fitness goals faster! While eating correctly and working out are beneficial life changes to losing weight, often times they are not enough. At Core Aesthetic, we offer an all-inclusive weight loss membership that includes weight loss medications, diet and exercise plans, medical supervision, and more. Learn more about Core’s weight loss program here!
