If you want to have an effective gym session, studies show that you need to eat food and drink water before leaving.
Some people assume they will lose more weight if they don’t eat but this can hinder their health and fitness efforts.
To avoid feeling lightheaded or fatigued at the gym, you should eat the right types of snacks.
Read below to discover the best pre-workout snacks that will satisfy your taste buds and prepare your body for the gym!
1. Fruit Parfait
One of the best pre-workout snacks you can have in the morning is a fruit and granola parfait.
Fruit, granola, and yogurt are refreshing, tasty, and light. This snack won’t leave you hungry while lifting and the nutrients will help fuel your body. Cottage cheese and strawberry parfaits are also common and provide more protein.
To make the most of your parfait, add some whole-grain cereal and nuts for a boost of power.
2. Apples & Peanut Butter
The original workout snack consists of fresh-cut apples and peanut butter.
Peanut butter is packed with nutrients and protein, which makes it a sensible choice to have before gym sessions. The apples are beneficial since they provide you with glucose, a healthy form of sugar that gets converted into energy.
If you don’t enjoy this snack because of its simplicity, you can toss chia seeds, nuts, or even jelly on top!
3. Superfood Energy Bites
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’ll push you forward, Superfood Bites are the best thing to bite into.
These energy bites consist of whole foods and taste like fresh-baked brownies. The best part about the recipe is that it contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that also support gut and mental health. If you have nut allergies, you can’t eat these since they contain almonds and peanuts.
Superfood energy bites are guilt-free, especially when you realize that all of the ingredients are organic. You won’t see chemical names and dyes on this snack’s packaging.
4. Veggie Omelet
Finding pre-workout food that’s filling but won’t weigh you down can be a challenge.
Veggie omelets are a great snack before hitting the weights because it’s rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins. These nutrients will fuel your body and give you the energy to run miles. The more veggies you add, the more benefits you can get.
Since eggs contain a high level of sodium, try to limit this snack to once or twice a week. The best part about veggie omelets is that you can flavor them how you would like, just be careful with the cheese since it can lead to digestive issues.
5. Smoothies
Smoothie shops are popping up on most corners and gyms as people discover their benefits.
Drinking veggies, fruits, and supplements can help you prepare for workouts without making you feel sluggish. Berries, bananas, and leafy greens are often included in smoothie recipes, but you can come up with a unique creation.
If you typically drink a pre-workout or protein shake ahead of workouts, you can typically mix them in your smoothie. Monitor what you add to the smoothies to ensure they aren’t loaded with sugar.
6. Oatmeal
Although it has a boring reputation, oatmeal is a delicious and versatile snack to add to your grocery list.
Oatmeal can balance your sugar levels and encourage good bacteria in the gut. These benefits play a role in your performance at the gym and can keep you running longer. Oatmeal contains various antioxidants that will help with muscle recovery and fight fatigue.
If you want to make your oatmeal snacks more exciting, toss in your favorite fruits and nuts. You can even add coconut flakes and chocolate chips to improve the flavor.
7. Hummus & Veggies
Do you deal with inflammation and struggle to lose weight?
Hummus is a delicious treat made of garbanzo beans, spices, and tahini. This creamy dip can be your pre-gym routine to aid in muscle recovery and weight loss. Although pita and pretzels taste great with this dip, you’d be better off eating a carrot, pepper, and cucumber sticks.
You can prepare small portions of hummus ahead of time and put a variety of cleaned and cut veggies in bags. When you are ready to go to the gym, you can quickly eat your nutrient-packed snack.
8. Grilled Chicken
Another great workout food to consider is grilled or baked chicken.
Chicken is lean, light, and versatile. You don’t have to feel guilty about eating this source of protein since it will keep you lean and improve muscle recovery. This is a great option if you don’t like having fruits or oats.
If you eat grilled chicken with veggies, you will increase your benefits and notice a difference in your performance. The protein from the meat will help, but you also need vitamins and minerals to keep organs running efficiently.
Which Pre-Workout Snacks Do You Prefer?
If you don’t want to faint or fall weak at the gym you need to get plenty of nourishment ahead of time.
Within an hour or so of your workout, you should be thinking about grabbing one of the snacks mentioned above. These snacks focus on fresh and whole foods that will give you energy and repair muscles during recovery. You can get creative and add other ingredients you enjoy, just make sure they are beneficial.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water while munching on your pre-workout snacks.
Check out our page for more info about the best workout foods and how to make the most of your fitness efforts!