So if I work out regularly, I can eat whatever I want because I'll just burn it off later.
NO!!!
You may believe that working out is enough to keep you fit and healthy, but that difficult last lap that feels like it lasts forever may be a result of not eating well before your workout. It is quick and easy to grab a cereal bar or skip on eating altogether, but having a healthy snack is important for your health and performance.
Why should I snack?
Many people believe not eating before a workout will allow your body to burn fat more since it uses the fat in the body as fuel instead of the the nutrients from consuming food. That may be true, but is completely unhealthy and horrible for your body. Your body needs nutrients to function, just like a car needs gas to drive. Having a 100-300 calorie snack will “jump-start” your workout, enhance muscle toning, keep you energized, and allow yourself to push your endurance to the limits.
Here are some nutrient packed snacks to eat before your trip to the gym!
Greek Parfait
Greek yogurt, nuts, and fruit make the perfect trifecta for your pre-workout snack. Since Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, it will fill you up and sustain your energy levels throughout your workout! And since Greek yogurt is so versatile you can add some fresh fruits, granola, and much more into your parfait! This a quick and easy way to ensure you have a healthy snack ready to go.
Apples & Peanut Butter
If you're a peanut butter lover, like me, this snack is for you! I’ve been eating apples and peanut butter since I can remember. This is the easiest pre-workout snack on the go. The apple (with 25 grams of carbohydrates) will give you a boost of energy, and the protein in the peanut butter will help repair your muscles. This is an easy, quick, delicious, last-minute snack if you have only a few minutes to spare before your trip to the gym.
Chicken Sandwich
This may seem a little to heavy to be considered as a snack but you can always save half for later. Lean meats like chicken and turkey are filled protein and will feed your muscles without weighing you down.
Sandwiches are an awesome way to incorporate your own flair. I like to add a couple tablespoons of hummus, over some whole wheat bread, and filling it with my favorite veggies like tomatoes and spinach. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, you can always switch the bread with sandwich thins or wraps.
Whole Wheat Toast with Peanut Butter and Bananas
If you're not into a fan of meat or cold cuts, try out a piece of whole wheat toast with some peanut butter and bananas. The bread and the banana provides carbs to energize and help you power through your workout, while the peanut butter provides protein to help with muscle recovery.
Eggs in a basket
If you're looking for a pre-workout breakfast this is a fun way to incorporate toast and eggs! Simply cut out a circle in a piece of whole-wheat toast and crack an egg in the hole. Make sure to cook both sides evenly and enjoy once the egg is cooked fully through and the bread is toasted nicely. Eggs are a great source of protein - about 6 grams per egg- and helps complement the carb-heavy bread.
In the end, just know what your body needs before a workout and fuel it with a balance of protein, carbs, and, obviously, a ton of water!!!
NO!!!
You may believe that working out is enough to keep you fit and healthy, but that difficult last lap that feels like it lasts forever may be a result of not eating well before your workout. It is quick and easy to grab a cereal bar or skip on eating altogether, but having a healthy snack is important for your health and performance.
Why should I snack?
Many people believe not eating before a workout will allow your body to burn fat more since it uses the fat in the body as fuel instead of the the nutrients from consuming food. That may be true, but is completely unhealthy and horrible for your body. Your body needs nutrients to function, just like a car needs gas to drive. Having a 100-300 calorie snack will “jump-start” your workout, enhance muscle toning, keep you energized, and allow yourself to push your endurance to the limits.
Here are some nutrient packed snacks to eat before your trip to the gym!
Greek Parfait
Greek yogurt, nuts, and fruit make the perfect trifecta for your pre-workout snack. Since Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, it will fill you up and sustain your energy levels throughout your workout! And since Greek yogurt is so versatile you can add some fresh fruits, granola, and much more into your parfait! This a quick and easy way to ensure you have a healthy snack ready to go.
Apples & Peanut Butter
If you're a peanut butter lover, like me, this snack is for you! I’ve been eating apples and peanut butter since I can remember. This is the easiest pre-workout snack on the go. The apple (with 25 grams of carbohydrates) will give you a boost of energy, and the protein in the peanut butter will help repair your muscles. This is an easy, quick, delicious, last-minute snack if you have only a few minutes to spare before your trip to the gym.
Chicken Sandwich
This may seem a little to heavy to be considered as a snack but you can always save half for later. Lean meats like chicken and turkey are filled protein and will feed your muscles without weighing you down.
Sandwiches are an awesome way to incorporate your own flair. I like to add a couple tablespoons of hummus, over some whole wheat bread, and filling it with my favorite veggies like tomatoes and spinach. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, you can always switch the bread with sandwich thins or wraps.
Whole Wheat Toast with Peanut Butter and Bananas
If you're not into a fan of meat or cold cuts, try out a piece of whole wheat toast with some peanut butter and bananas. The bread and the banana provides carbs to energize and help you power through your workout, while the peanut butter provides protein to help with muscle recovery.
Eggs in a basket
If you're looking for a pre-workout breakfast this is a fun way to incorporate toast and eggs! Simply cut out a circle in a piece of whole-wheat toast and crack an egg in the hole. Make sure to cook both sides evenly and enjoy once the egg is cooked fully through and the bread is toasted nicely. Eggs are a great source of protein - about 6 grams per egg- and helps complement the carb-heavy bread.
In the end, just know what your body needs before a workout and fuel it with a balance of protein, carbs, and, obviously, a ton of water!!!