5 Foods to Eat Before a Grueling Workout
Are you looking for the fuel that will take your workout from weary to triumphant? If so, keep reading to learn how to make the most out of your workouts!
Nutrition has a big part to play when it comes to reaching fitness goals. What you take between 30 minutes and an hour or two before your workout can have a huge impact on your performance, and consequently your gains.
From healthy carbs to proteins, fluids, and supplements, read along to discover 5 foods that can help supercharge your routine and give you the energy boost you need for maximum gains.
Table of Contents
1. Carb Load with Whole Grains
Before you get ready to work out, fueling your body for maximum performance should be an absolute priority. Carb loading with whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat vegan pasta can provide you with the energy you need to power through your training session.
Especially if you’re training to build muscle, consider taking complex carbs in smaller portions throughout the day, such as quinoa with vegetables for breakfast, or try adding bulgur wheat to lunch salads. This provides sustained fuel that won’t end up tanking mid-workout!
2. Replenish Sodium Levels with a High-Protein Snack
Salty snacks can often help restore sodium levels and reduce fatigue for your next workout. This is more so if you’re about to undergo an intense session. A high-protein snack will provide not only the energy needed for endurance but essential minerals as well.
Try having nuts such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts before exercise – all of which are great sources of protein – to keep your energy levels up. You could also opt for a protein smoothie, which helps replenish electrolytes as well as provide carbs to refuel your glycogen stores.
3. Pre-Workout Supplements To For Energy and Motivation
As an experienced athlete or bodybuilder would agree, pre-workouts are a great way to get the most out of your workout. These supplements are specifically designed to provide an extra dose of energy, focus, and motivation. Many of them also have ingredients that help burn more fat or increase muscle strength, making them ideal for all kinds of athletes.
Aim for one scoop (or what the label recommends) at least 30 minutes to a few hours to a few hours before your training session. While the ideal time to consume pre-workout supplements may vary from one brand to the other, helpful effects usually last between 4-6 hours for most of them. Timing your dose right is essential if you want an extra energy boost without overstressing the body with sugar crashes later.
4. Go Bananas For Your Energy Boost
Eating a banana or two in the hours before your workout is another great way to get an extra kick of energy! Not only do bananas contain natural sugars, but they also provide valuable vitamins and minerals that help support overall health.
They are also rich in potassium to help counter potential dehydration during your session, as well as Vitamin B6 which helps improve cognitive function and alertness when you need it most. Add this convenient snack to your pre-workout routine, and you’ll see the results!
5. Revitalize Faster With an All-Natural Smoothie
For a quick, nutritious boost that you can prepare ahead of time or whip up quickly before you head out to the gym, try a fresh smoothie! All natural fruit-based drinks are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, not to mention a host of hydration benefits. Preparing in advance also allows for easy storage and transportation if needed.
Mixing 1 cup of frozen blueberries or your favorite seasonal produce with some almond milk and a sprinkle of chia or flax seeds can give you the antioxidant, protein, and electrolyte-rich blend to help you power through your most difficult workouts. Cheers!
From complex carbohydrates to all-natural smoothies, there are a variety of foods to consider adding to your pre-workout routine. With the right combination and practice, it can be easier to hit your goals faster! These are just some of the incredible foods you can consider to supercharge your workout, however grueling it gets.
