There’s nothing better than a great workout session to get you feeling energized, fit and healthy. In order to maximize your workouts, it’s important to eat the right foods before you exercise. To help you plan your pre-workout meals, let’s take a look at some of the best foods you can eat before a workout.
Let’s find out some of the Best Foods to Eat Before a Workout:
Oats
Oats are a good source of carbs, meaning they are a great pre-workout food. Our bodies digest oats slowly, so you’ll feel energized for longer. Oats contain beta-glucan fiber, which releases energy slowly. Oat fiber β-glucan decreases blood levels of LDL cholesterol and blood sugar, helping you reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Oats are rich in antioxidants and contain iron, which helps to provide your muscles with oxygen. Consuming oats just before a workout improves exercise performance. Studies have shown that consuming carbs 3 hr before exercise can delay fatigue during training.
Bananas
Bananas are a great food to eat before a workout, containing simple carbs and natural sugar. Bananas contain potassium, a vital mineral and electrolyte, and antioxidants that help the body ward off free radicals. They are also a great source of fiber and prebiotics (when unripped) which help to keep the digestive system healthy. Our bodies thrive when given carbs before a workout, and bananas are an excellent source of carbohydrates. They increase the glucose inside your muscles, giving you the energy you need.
Grilled Chicken & Sweet Potato
Eating protein before a workout can help to boost athletic performance. According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, engaging in strength training and ingesting protein before and after resistance exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis – a process in which protein is produced to repair muscle damage and improve muscle growth.
There are lots of benefits of eating protein, including better muscle recovery and muscle growth. You’ll also benefit from improved muscle performance and increased strength. Sweet potatoes are a great addition to a pre-workout meal as they are a source of fiber and carbs.
Omelet
Eggs are a great food for athletes because they include plenty of nutrients. Eggs contain B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, folic acid, and good fats. Some eggs contain omega-3, but it largely depends on the hen’s diet. It’s important to choose organic eggs (these hens are not treated with hormones and received an organic feed) and free-range/pasture-raised eggs (these chickens are allowed to roam free, eating plants and insects (their natural food) along with some commercial feed).
Eggs are an excellent source of protein. They’re the perfect protein source because they contain all nine essential amino acids needed to meet your body’s needs, preparing your body for a workout, improving muscle recovery, and increasing muscle growth. An easy way to increase your egg/protein intake in your diet is by eating omelets. They are delicious, low-calorie, low-carb, fat-burning, and can be mixed with countless choices so you don’t get bored of them.
Plain Yogurt or Kefir & Fruit
Plain yogurt or kefir are great foods to eat before you exercise. They are packed with minerals and lots of calcium. Yogurt contains lots of B vitamins, including riboflavin and vitamin B12. It’s a fantastic source of protein, which boosts energy expenditure, and supports your metabolism. Some yogurts even improve your digestive health. Kefir has more protein than yogurt plus probiotics, great for your digestive health and immunity. You can add some fruit and nuts to your yogurt or kefir to add variety, different flavors, and sweeten them naturally. Feel free to choose high-carb fruits like apples, pears, or pineapple to increase your glycogen for your workout.
Improving your diet is an excellent way to boost your overall health. If you’re looking to eat healthier, but you’re struggling to do so, consider working with a nutritionist. Look for an expert who focuses on integrative nutrition. This type of health coaching can help people to make healthy lifestyle changes, focusing on overall wellbeing as well as food. With a little extra support, you’ll create the perfect healthy diet. I hope you liked this post about Best Foods to Eat Before a Workout 🙂
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
