6 Foods That Are Great Pre-Workout Snacks

Two prerequisites of a good workout are a steady stomach and availability of ample energy to the body. However it has been observed that people have a tendency to skip meals before a workout for either lack of time or lack of knowledge. After reading this article you will be left with no more doubts about what to eat before your workout. The tummy friendly recipes enumerated below are ideally protein laden and easy to prepare.

1. A whole-wheat bagel with jam:

These together contain both complex and simple carbs and therefore give the digestive system an easy go. Simple carbs are utilized much faster than the complex kind so a mixture of the two is preferred to fuel up your workouts comfortably from start to finish.

2. Protein shake with added carbohydrates:

A good way to benefit from protein and at the same time stay energized with carbohydrates is a protein shake. It is also an easy on-the-go snack. It is advised to prepare a shake with juice and water and avoid milk as it may cause mucous. Thereafter you can add a banana or oats to load it with carbohydrates.

3. Oatmeal:

Oatmeal is great for morning workouts when you run on empty and cannot have a meal 1-2 hours before you workout. It gets on with the system pretty well and quickly too. Added fruit will get into bloodstream even more quickly and give you the desired energy.

4. Greek yogurt:

This type of yogurt contains less sugar than the usual kind and more protein and carbohydrates. It goes easy on an empty stomach and is ideal to be had before intense workouts that can cause tummy trouble after a heavy meal. You can add honey or fruit for the extra kick.

5. Brown rice with chicken:

Another good option for those who intend to exercise after a meal, a little dish of brown rice and chicken or tofu can be a great source of energy. The brown rice gives you a lot more complex carbs than its cousin, white rice. This small meal will sit well, and prep your body for action.

6. Legumes:

Beans and lentils are again a great source of protein and carbohydrates, an excellent slow release energy source. It is therefore ideal for workouts beginning after 1-2 hours of a meal. It is advised not to overeat as legumes might induce flatulence due to gas inducing natural sugars called oligosaccharides and you might get noticed by others in the gym for wrong reasons!

Timing for the meal is of great significance. The items mentioned here are best to be had before training session but even they can trouble you mid workout if they’re not able to digest properly. It’s best to use meals at the very least 45 minutes before you start workout and if it’s a whopping meal, workout shall commence even later. While it’s true that certain foods settle well and get into the bloodstream fast, you could possibly feel sluggish when doing exercises on full stomach. It may even cause cramps as blood is pulled out of the stomach whilst exercising.

When the time does not warrant waiting for 45 minutes before starting workout, it is better to have a small snack rather than exercising empty stomach.

Mark is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast, who understands that proper nutrition is essential to seeing the results you want from the gym. Supplements can’t replace diet or training, but they can play an important role in helping us maximize our potential. Mark’s favorite are the many varieties of pre-workout supplements that help increase energy and focus. Stop by Marks’ site to see his in-depth reviews of pre-workout supplements, and see which ones are the best of the best. Thanks for reading! Until next time.