Fitness enthusiasts and athletes are always searching for ways to achieve their goals and improve their performance. Good nutrition can help you recover faster after each workout, and it can also help you to improve your body performance during a workout. Optimal nutrient intake before exercise can also minimize muscle damage.
In this article we tell you everything you need to know about pre workout foods.
Knowing What to Eat is Important
In order to perform well in your workout you need to amass sufficient strength and energy. The best way to achieve this is by fueling your body with the right nutrients prior to exercise.
Each macro-nutrient plays a specific role before an exercise. You should ensure to consume the right ratio. The ratio in which you need to take depends on the type of workout and your bodily traits.
There are specific types of food to consume prior to a workout that will enable your body to prepare, and which can optimize your efforts in the field or the gym. We have selected a list of 10 pre-workout foods that will assist your body to fully prepare for a workout.
1. Protein Smoothie
Arguably one of the best pre workout snacks is a protein packed super smoothie. Use one of SmoothieBox's smoothie pouches as a base, and then add protein powder, leafy greens, avocado, peanut butter, bananas, mixed berries, almond milk and any other ingredients you wish. The SmoothieBox Green Protein Smoothie is a great recipe to get you started.
2. Oats
Oats are able to release carbohydrates gradually because of their high fiber content. As a result of this gradual release, energy levels are kept consistent throughout your workout session. This means you can train harder and last longer. Oats also contain vitamin B, which assists to convert carbohydrates into energy.
3. Sweet Potato, Grilled Chicken, and Broccoli
This combo is perfect for individuals who are working on building their muscle strength or intend to hit circular training hard.
4. Dried Fruits
For an easy, quick, and efficient pre workout food, fix yourself some dried pineapple, figs, apricots, or berries. Dried fruits are an ideal source of simple carbohydrates that can be digested easily.
5. Whole Grain Bread
All you need is one slice of whole grain bread and your carbs' needs will be sorted. For a protein-packed snack you can add some low-fat turkey or hard-boiled eggs.
6. Fruit and Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt contains a protein-filled punch while the fruit is packed with carbohydrates. Greek yogurt has twice the protein, half the sodium, and fewer carbs compared to regular yogurt. The carbs in the fruit are digested easily in the body and are used as fuel during your workout.
7. Trail Mix
Nuts can have a high-fat content, but they provide the calories and protein required to gain muscle mass. If you're looking to purchase trail mix from supermarkets avoid the yogurt-coated nuts or the ones containing chocolate.
8. Bananas
Bananas have earned the reputation of nature's power bar owing to their high potassium and carbohydrates content that support muscle and nerve function. Carbs are fuel for our brain and body and they account for 90% of all the calories found in bananas.
9. Scrambled Eggs, Veggies, Avocado
Eggs contain high-quality protein and in the event when you include the yolk, you'll definitely obtain all eight essential amino acids. This combo assists in boosting muscle building and recovery.
10. Chicken Thighs, Rice, and Steamed Vegetables
This is a perfect blend of complex carbs and protein. Also the fiber in the veggies is great for your digestion.
These ten pre-workout snacks are guaranteed to put you on the right track for a successful workout!