What to Eat Before a Workout? A Total Guide for Pre-workout Nutrition

We all know that saying Health is wealth. If you’re healthy, you can achieve anything in life and earn as much wealth as you want. Those who work out regularly like athletes and fitness enthusiasts are always looking for ways to improve their health, which will help them to achieve their desired performances and goals. To do so, exercise alone won’t help; you’ll need to eat the proper kind of food to have all the required nutrients before working out.

By saying the proper kind of food, I mean the amalgamation of a certain type of food that has all the nutrients which are considered best for our body. Those nutrients are carbs, protein, fats, and a lot of fluids. A proper diet with all the nutrients will surely make you healthy, fuel your body for the workout, help you to fight off fatigue, and even will aid in your body’s recovery.

So you might wonder what you should eat to get all the necessary nutrients for your body before working. To find out that answer, read on.

Some General Pre-workout Foods

Generally, those of us who work out tend to believe that supplements are the only way we can gain muscles or become healthy, but that’s not entirely true. Yes, there are some top pre-workout supplements that will give you really good results in a short period of time. However, if you want to become fit and healthy in the long term, you also need to eat well before working out. Here are some of the best picks of pre-workout food for you.

1. Bananas

Bananas, which are packed with carbohydrates and potassium, are sometimes referred to as nature’s power bars because they not only help in muscle function but also support the nerves of the human body. We need carbs to fuel our body and brain, and the calories in bananas are 90 percent carbs. So that gives us a clear indication of why we should have bananas before a workout.

2. Oats

Your body needs carbs to keep it up and running. Oats are full of fiber, and they eventually release carbohydrates which fuel the need for carbs in our body. Because of their slow release period, your energy levels will be consistent throughout your workout if you have oats beforehand. This will enable you to train harder for a longer period.

Moreover, they not only have carbs; they also have vitamin B, which helps convert the carbohydrates in your body into energy.

Irish oatmeals are the best when it comes to oats because they have a lower glycemic impact than quick-cooking and instant oats. They are also the least processed of the three types.

3. Grilled Chicken, Broccoli, and Sweet Potato

If you’re planning on building muscles or trying to hit the training circuit hard, this is the combo for you. I know it feels like a full meal rather than a small snack before a workout, but there’s a reason that professionals have this combo regularly. That’s why I also believe it is high time for you to give it a go, and this is one way to know what to eat with sweet potatoes during a workout.

4. Dried Fruits

Have some apricots, dried berries, pineapples, or figs if you’re searching for a convenient and simple pre-workout snack. Dried fruits are an excellent source of easily digestible simple carbs. So grab a handful now and then.

5. Whole Grain Bread

A single slice of bread can be a great source of carbohydrates. You can also add a hard-boiled egg or some turkey on top for protein and fat.

6. Scrambled Eggs, Veggies, and Avocado

As we’re on the topic of eggs, go ahead and use the whole egg. They’re packed with high-quality protein, and if you also have the yolk then you’ll get all of the eight essential amino acids a human body needs to boost your muscle building and aid in recovery. However, you’ll also need to balance out the protein with something green. Avocado will work as a healthy fat fix and is also filled with nutrients.

7. Fruits and Greek Yogurt

When it comes to pre-workout food combos, this one is killer. Fruits are filled with carbohydrates, and Greek yogurt is packed with protein. Not only that, but Greek yogurt has half the sodium, fewer carbs, and almost double the protein.

Now you might wonder why you should have them together. Because the carbs in fruit break down quickly when you work out since they function as the fuel for your workout, while the protein in Greek yogurt stays in your body for a longer time and also prevents muscle damage. It’s a perfect pairing.

8. Trail Mix

You might wonder why you should have nuts before working out. Well, that’s because nuts have high-fat content. If you’re trying to gain muscles, nuts will provide the protein and calories that are required. But if you’re trying to lose weight, you should avoid nuts. If you buy pre-prepared trail mixes from supermarkets, be sure to avoid the chocolate or yogurt-coated ones.

9. Protein Shakes

I have suggested that you concentrate more on natural food than chemical-based food. But if you’re working out, protein powder can provide a lot of the nutrients you need. So you should consider the option of having protein shakes.

Protein powder is essential for shakes, but after that, choose what you like the most. You can add anything from milk, peanut butter, and bananas to mixed berries. Even leafy greens work well. By having protein shakes, you’ll get fast-digesting carbs plus healthy fats and protein.

Final Thoughts

In the end, if you’re physically healthy you’ll be mentally healthy. To achieve total health, there’s no better alternative than working out. And before working out, having the right meal is also really important. I hope this article will help you to choose the perfect pre-workout diet. Best of luck with your workout!