Are you trying to kick your workouts into high gear as summer approaches?
Your body is a machine and food is your fuel. If you give your body the proper fuel, it will perform well. If you neglect to feed your body right it will perform poorly.
Exercising puts your body through a lot of stress. You need to properly energize your body before a workout to ensure it can handle the stress.
This article will give you the ten best things to eat before a workout. Next time you’re about to hit the gym you’ll know which foods you should and shouldn’t be reaching for.
1) Bananas
Bananas are definitely the superior fruit when it comes to what to eat before a workout. Bananas are full of carbohydrates that can easily be converted into energy.
When you wake up first thing in the morning it’s never a good idea to exercise on an empty stomach. A banana is a quick and easy option to reach for that will make you feel awesome throughout your workout.
2) Caffeine
Yes, another excuse to drink more coffee!
Caffeine will help you feel more energized throughout your work out and consequently make you work harder. No one can perform well if they’re exhausted.
Adding a couple shots of espresso to your pre-workout smoothie can help put a little pep in your step. Or simply drinking a nice cup of coffee first thing in the morning with your banana will give you more energy.
3) Water
While not a food, it is vitally important that you hydrate yourself before a workout.
If you’re working out first thing in the morning it’s possible that your body hasn’t received water in 8 or more hours while you were sleeping. This means you’re dehydrated and your body is craving water.
What feels like hunger may actually just be thirst. Be sure to start your day with a big glass of plain water. This will wake all of your internal organs up and make you feel like you’re glowing.
Drink water in the morning but don’t stop there. You should be getting at least 8 glasses of water per day, and even more, if you go through a major sweat session.
Keep in mind how much water you’re losing when you sweat for an hour while exercising. You need to drink extra water to compensate.
4) Egg Whites
Egg whites are another example of what to eat before a workout.
Egg whites are full of protein and contain very little fat. This means they won’t make you feel weighted down during your workout.
The protein will fuel the muscle and help you build strength. You can easily whip up egg whites in less than 5 minutes so time shouldn’t be an excuse.
5) Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is healthier for you than regular yogurt because most brands have more protein and less sugar than traditional yogurt.
Greek yogurt is high in protein and healthy fats. It will keep you sustained throughout your workout.
There are numerous flavors you can try if you don’t like the taste of traditional Greek yogurt. These include peach, strawberry, vanilla and more.
6) Fruit Smoothie
Fruit smoothies are amazing to eat before a workout.
Fruit smoothies can be made with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and protein powder. Fruit smoothies blend up all the healthy ingredients so you get the nutrition without having to individually eat all the foods.
Fruit smoothies give you a kick of energy from the glucose. This will power you through the toughest of workouts.
7) Wholegrain Bread
Carbohydrates should be your primary focus before a workout.
Carbs are what your body can easily convert into energy. Wholegrain bread is packed with complex carbs that your body will break down over the course of your workout.
It’s best to eat wholegrain bread 2-3 hours before your workout if possible to give your body time to start digesting.
8) Oatmeal with Berries
It’s difficult to find a healthier breakfast for you than oatmeal.
Oatmeal also makes a fantastic pre workout snack. Try to find the least processed oatmeal you can. Oatmeal that is too processed contains unnecessary sugar and chemicals.
Oatmeal is full of healthy carbs that will sustain you throughout your workout.
9) Celery with Peanut Butter
Yum, you can almost hear the crunch now.
Celery is a great low calorie snack that is also full of water to keep you hydrated.
Peanut butter on the other hand contains the protein and carbs you need to make it through your workout. If you have a peanut allergy or are looking for an even healthier nut butter option, almond butter could be a good choice for you.
10) Protein Bar
Protein bars are a great grab and go snack for those on a time crunch.
You can find protein bars with varying levels of carbohydrates and protein. Protein bars come in all different flavors and are perfect for those who aren’t big on spending time in the kitchen.
Now You Know What to Eat Before a Workout
Any of the foods on this list will be great to help you power through your next workout.
Remember to stick with high carb foods that aren’t hard on the stomach. You want to veer away from spicy foods or foods with high dairy content as these can upset your digestion.
Pick food that you like that you know make you feel good. Exercising well is all about being in a good state of mind. If you’re feeling ill or suffering from indigestion you won’t be able to work out as hard.
You’ll notice quickly that when you start eating right, your body will crave exercise.
Have questions about this article? Want to tell us about your favorite pre workout snack? Please contact us here.