Day 26: The Best Pre-Workout Foods and Snacks to Eat
Whether you like to exercise first thing in the morning or prefer to hit the gym later in the day, your energy levels and performance depend a lot on what you eat before your workout. Consider these eating tips to choose the optimal pre-workout foods and snacks to get the most out of your training session.
Include Carbs and Protein in Your Pre-Workout Meal
Carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats all provide the fuel needed for energy, but carbs are the body’s preferred fuel source for almost every type of exercise.
In fact, without carbs, the body must rely on stored calories in the form of fat and glycogen (aka, carbs stored in muscles and the liver, providing energy). If these stored calories are depleted and no carbs are available from food, your performance may decline. Eating a meal rich in complex carbohydrates and lean protein three hours before a workout. Complex carbs are made up of sugar molecules that are strung together in long, complex chains and contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
These include:
o Fruits
o Beans
o Lentils
o Quinoa
o Peas
o Sweet potatoes and regular potatoes
o Sprouted bread