If you’re like me, the thought of eating something before a high intensity workout can make you nauseous. Food sloshing around in my stomach during kick boxing is enough to distract me from my workout.
However, just like there’s a correct way to squat and see results, there is a science behind eating before a workout and not feeling horrible. Not only are pre-workout foods important, but when you eat them in relation to your workout or exercise is also key. Check out these foods to eat pre-workout, and why they work so well.
Bananas
There’s a reason these babies are handed out during marathons and mud runs. Full of potassium, which drops when you sweat, and electrolytes, they keep your heart and your muscles going strong. They also keep your blood sugar leveled during a workout.
Peanut Butter with a Slice of Whole Wheat Bread
This is a great combination of simple and complex carbs, both of which your body needs. This is one of our favorite pre-workout foods, because it’s so delicious and easy to whip up. If you’re a little on the hungrier side, our good friend the banana and be cut up and added onto the toast. Double yum!
Non Fat Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is not only filling with a good amount of protein, it’s a light meal if you’re going on a run. Instead of eating a flavor with extra sugar added to it, buy non fat plain Greek yogurt and drizzle a little honey and some nuts on it for extra crunch and a touch of sweetness!
Oatmeal with Fruit
Yay carbs! Carbs are our friend, because they’re what gives the body fuel which translates to energy. Oatmeal gradually releases energy to keep your workout strong all the way through. By adding fruits such as blueberries and strawberries, you’re providing your body with more hydration and vitamin boosts. However, be weary of prepackaged oatmeal with tons of added sugar! Try these overnight oatmeal recipes instead.
Natural Ingredient Protein Bars
Need something you can stock up on? Protein bars that have all natural ingredients are great for quick but sufficient snack to push you through a workout. Just be sure the sugar content isn’t the same as a candy bar.
Avoid High Fiber Foods
Fiber stays in your stomach longer than most foods, which is a no-go. You want your meal to be digested when you’re working out, that way you can get your body into a carb burning zone. The reason fiber keeps you feeling full for so long is because it takes more time for your body to digest it. If you eat something, such as high fiber cereal, right before you workout, you feel like you’re getting less exercise. This is because the energy your body would be expending on your muscles is currently being poured into digestive system and breaking down fiber.
Time Your Snack
Shoving a protein bar down your throat right before you go into a workout is better than nothing, but it’s not ideal either. You’ll want to eat 30 minutes before your planned workout, that way your body has time to absorb the nutrient. If you’re body is trying to digest your food while you’re getting your sweat on, it can bog you down.
Save Heavy Proteins For Later
Foods that have some protein in them are great for a pre-workout snack, but they should have an equal amount of carbohydrates as well. Keep foods like grilled chicken breast and salmon, that are very high in protein for when your workout is over. This is when your muscles are going to need it most to recover and grow efficiently.
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What do you eat before a workout?
