Many people who work out on a regular basis have a routine, which may include workout clothing, motivating music, and a full bottle of water. But what about pre-workout fuel? Having a healthy snack 30 minutes before a workout can keep us energized and ready to get the most out of our exercise.
While we often see people at the gym with a protein bar in hand, there are many healthy whole foods that are not only convenient, but much tastier.
The Best Pre-Workout Snacks
Plain Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh blueberries offers a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Even though exercise is good for us, it does cause stress. That’s where blueberries come into action. Their powerful antioxidants help combat free radicals caused by stresses on the body.
Cottage cheese with half of an avocado is another great pre-workout snack. One-third of a medium size avocado has just 80 calories and contains 245 mg of potassium and 3 grams of fiber, two nutrients that are sorely missing in the American diet. Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium, two nutrients associated with weight loss.
Sliced apple with almond butter packs a punch for satisfying a sweet tooth. Apples are high in soluble fiber, specifically pectin, which acts as a prebiotic and feeds the good bacteria in the gut. Be sure to only buy organic apples, as apple crops are one of the most heavily sprayed with pesticides. Almond butter, in comparison to peanut butter, has less saturated fat and more monounsaturated fat and fiber. It can also slow the release of the sugar from the apple.
A hard-boiled egg and cheese stick may sound boring, but this snack is delicious and easy for those on the go. You can boil several eggs at one time, so you have them on hand for a quick bite. Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. They contain almost every nutrient our bodies need. One large egg is around 77 calories and offers 7 g of protein and 5 g of healthy fats. Purchase omega-3-enriched eggs to maximize the nutritional value. A cheese stick adds additional protein and calcium for healthy bones.
For a healthy snack that you can throw in your bag with no need for refrigeration or an ice pack, my favorite go-to is Trader Joe’s Go Raw Trek Mix. It’s a mix of cashews, walnuts, filberts, almonds, and raisins. Perfectly packed in individual snack size bags, they are a fuel-packed snack with healthy doses of fat and fiber, and a hint of natural sweetness from the raisins.
Whatever healthy snack you choose, it will add amore energy and longevity to your workouts.
