When you're gearing up for a workout, it's important to fuel your body with the right nutrients. But if you're not careful, those same snacks can leave you feeling bloated or sluggish. So here's why pre-workout snacking is important plus eight of our favorite pre-workout snacks that will help give you an energy boost so you can perform better in the gym:
Greek yogurt with nuts or fruit
Greek yogurt is high in protein, which can help your muscles recover faster. Make sure to eat it before or after exercise, as some people experience gastrointestinal distress when they eat Greek yogurt during exercise due to its high fat content. You can also add berries and granola for more nutrients!
Add some protein powder to your Greek yogurt. You can get all the benefits of protein without having to eat meat by adding a scoop of protein powder to your yogurt and mixing it up! The best type of protein powder for this is whey or egg white protein, both of which are high in leucine—an amino acid that’s essential for muscle growth.
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, which can improve your cardiovascular health and help decrease inflammation in your body. They’re also high in vitamins A and C, which can strengthen your immune system. Berries are a great choice for a post-workout snack because they contain both carbohydrates and protein, which are essential nutrients for muscle recovery.
Apple with almond butter
The combination of almond butter and apple makes this snack an excellent choice because it provides carbs, protein and fiber--all things you need before working out! You can also use almond butter on celery sticks or peanut butter if you prefer that flavor instead (but keep in mind that peanut butter is higher in fat).
Almond butter is a good source of protein, which helps you stay full longer. Apples are also a good source of fiber, which improves digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels. Apples are also rich in antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Carrot sticks with hummus
Carrots with hummus are a great source of protein, fiber and healthy fats. It’s also low in calories and has no added sugar or artificial ingredients. You can use any flavor of hummus; just make sure it doesn’t have added sugar or preservatives.
Celery with peanut butter
Peanut butter contains protein, fiber, healthy fats and vitamins. Protein helps build muscle mass and maintain it over time. Fiber helps keep you full longer so you don't feel hungry again right away.
Healthy fats can be good for the heart and brain health. They also help you absorb other nutrients more easily. These include vitamin E which keeps your skin smooth; vitamin B which helps with energy production; niacin which lowers cholesterol levels in the blood; iron that transports oxygen throughout the body; magnesium which promotes relaxation while reducing anxiety or stress levels by calming down nerves.
Peanut butter has been shown to be beneficial for people suffering from type 2 diabetes because of its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid which may help lower blood sugar levels due to improved insulin sensitivity.
Spinach and artichoke dip with multigrain crackers and pita chips
When you're looking for a pre-workout snack, a dip is a great choice. Spinach and artichoke are both packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. You can even use low-fat cream cheese for added protein -- which will help keep you full during your workout -- along with multigrain crackers or pita chips so that you get extra fiber as well. If you want more greens without taking up space in your stomach (or if you have any leftovers), add some chopped spinach or kale to top off each serving of dip!
Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great pre-workout snack, because they're high in protein and easy to prepare.
To make hard-boiled eggs, simply place eggs in a pot of cold water and bring them to a boil over medium heat. Let them cook for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit for another 10 minutes before draining the hot water out of the pot. Place your cooked hard-boiled eggs in an ice bath for about five minutes; this will help keep them from becoming rubbery when you peel them later on. You can eat these immediately or store them in the fridge until you're ready!
One large hard-boiled egg has about 70 calories and 6 grams of protein--making it one of our favorite sources of healthy fats too! They also contain B vitamins like folate which supports heart health by lowering homocysteine levels (an amino acid) found within our blood stream; iron which helps produce red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout our body as well as folic acid which promotes brain function by aiding neurotransmitter production among other things.
So next time you're looking for an easy snack or breakfast, consider reaching for a hard-boiled egg! But always remember that moderation is key; be sure not to eat more than two eggs per day.
Avocado toast
Avocado toast is one of the best pre-workout snacks you can have. It's a healthy, high-protein snack that's easy to make and takes little time. You can also make it in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready for your workout. Add other ingredients like feta cheese, sliced tomatoes, and basil if you'd like!
To make avocado toast, you'll need:
-1 slice whole grain bread (or pita)
-1/2 avocado, sliced into thin pieces
-Freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional).
-Freshly ground pepper and sea salt
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for a quick bite before hitting the gym or simply trying to eat healthier, these eight pre-workout snacks are sure to please. With so many options available, it should be easy for you to find something that fits your taste and nutritional needs.
