Pump Up Your Pre-Workout Snack for Optimal Performance

Finding the time to exercise is an amazing feat. Giving yourself the proper energy and nutrients it needs to get the most out of your workout is an even greater feat. The issue is that most people aren’t aware of what foods are best before enduring a workout.
Here is some more information to shed light on your workout woes.

Crunches for Carbs

The best kind of food to consume before a workout should consist of a good amount of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are necessary in filling your glycogen stores. Your body uses this reserved “fuel” in your glycogen stores when it’s working hard. Complex carbohydrates like oatmeal and bananas will give your body a longer boost of energy than refined grains found in foods like cookies, granola and some cereals.

Push Ups for Protein

The second component of your pre-work out meal should have some protein. Protein takes a while to be digested in your system which keeps your fuller, longer. There is nothing worse than feeling hungry mid-workout! Protein also gives your body reserve energy. This is what your body turns to when it runs out of glycogen stores. Making sure your body is well supplied will give you the energy you need to push through.

Simple Snack Suggestions

If you’re still a little unsure of what exactly to eat, here are some suggestions for a powerful pre-workout snack:

• 1 hardboiled egg and whole wheat crackers
• ½ cup of trail mix that includes nuts, dried fruit, and granola
• Raw vegetables and hummus
• 6 oz. low-fat yogurt with a handful of berries
• 1 cup of cereal or oatmeal, 1 cup low-fat milk, and a small banana
• Whole-grain crackers with low-fat peanut butter or hard cheese
• ½ whole-grain bagel with cottage cheese or 1 Tb. of sugar-free jam
• Fruit smoothie that includes low-fat milk and fresh or frozen fruit of your choice
• A veggie egg white omelet
• Banana and peanut butter
• 3-4 whole-grain fig cookies with ½ cup skim milk

Getting in a good workout does so many things for your body. It keeps your blood pressure in check, your mind clear and you waistline happy. It’s best to think of exercise as movement and for all the wonderful benefits it can impart on your health, not just for calorie burning. This will ensure you create exercise as a habit for life. It’s equally important to fuel your workout properly. Try a few of these pre-workout snack ideas so that you are properly fueled for exercise. And, make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water to keep those muscles moving.