Eating before you go workout helps your body burn more carbs at the gym.
And, it helps improve digestion throughout the day.
So, if you prefer to skip breakfast and hit the ground running, think again. Whether you prefer eating a snack or a full-blown meal, these ideas will leave your stomach growling.
From breakfast to dinner, there’s something for everyone.
Keep reading to learn about the best foods to eat before you hit the gym.
Pro tip: If a snack calls your name, wait at least 30 minutes to give your body time to digest. If you opt for a full meal, wait 60-90 minutes. This way, you won’t feel bloated or too full.
1. Protein Shake or Smoothie
For many, eating solid food before working out results in an upset stomach or feeling bloated. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, try drinking a protein shake before hitting the gym.
Choose your protein flavor and add what sounds good.
Protein shakes and smoothies work well because they give your body:
- Fast-acting carbohydrates
- Healthy fats
- Long-lasting protein
2. Oats, Protein Powder, and Greek Yogurt
Oats are an excellent choice for your pre-workout meal. They’re packed full of complex carbs that give you sustained energy over time. Protein powder boosts your ability to gain muscle, helps prevent injury, and improves recovery.
Yogurt adds extra protein and loads of delicious flavor.
3. Peanut Butter Banana Toast
Whole grain toast gives you complex carbs to digest during your workout. Peanut butter is full of healthy fats to keep you going. Lastly, bananas contain potassium that helps prevent muscle cramps.
4. Trail Mix
If you’re going for muscle mass, nuts are a tasty source of protein. But, they also contain a lot of fat, too. So, they’re not great for losing weight.
But, if you’re bulking or trying to gain mass, trail mix is an excellent way to start your workout. Be sure to skip passed any pre-made mixes with candy, yogurt, or chocolate.
Better yet, make your own! This lets you pick and choose what nutrients you want to focus on for your pre-workout meal.
5. Protein Bar and a Banana
Bananas contain hydrating electrolytes that help recharge your body as you go. And, they also have nutrients that help reduce muscle cramps.
Combine that with your favorite protein bar before you go workout. Most protein bars have a lot of protein (is that obvious?). But, they also have a generous amount of carbs to help you power through your workout.
6. Chicken, Rice, and Veggies
What better way to combine carbs, fiber, and protein? If you prefer a full meal before hitting the gym, you’ll love this. Eating a healthy portion means you won’t be thinking about your next meal in the middle of your workout.
Eat Up! It’s Time to Go Workout
Eating well means giving your body the fuel it needs to power through the day. So, before you go workout, grab a snack or meal with a healthy balance of carbs and protein.
Nutrition means more than what you eat before the gym. Check out The Gym Las Vegas’s nutrition coaching services to be on your way a fit, healthy you.
