Pre-workout nutrition is a crucial aspect of your workout routine if you want to maximize the benefits from each and every exercise. Pre-workout foods will give you the energy needed for those intense workouts, as well as provide nutrients that can help prevent injuries and enhance muscle recovery. In this article, we’ll go through the 6 best pre-workout foods for your body so you know what’s good in store!
Best Pre-Workout Foods:
Pre-workout Protein
When you exercise, your muscles are broken down. Protein is the building block of muscle that restores and rebuilds muscles after a workout. Eating pre-workout protein will help to refuel your body for high-intensity exercises. A good idea is to have eggs as part of breakfast or add some whey powder in with your morning oatmeal!
Vegetables
Vegetables provide our bodies with essential vitamins and minerals which can support overall health while also improving physical performance during intense workouts due to their low-calorie content and rich antioxidants like Vitamins C & E. Paired together with chicken breast, they’re a great way to create an energizing salad pre-workout before hitting the gym. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to increase stamina levels. This vegetable is rich in nitrogen oxide and helps oxygenate the blood.
Mixed Nuts
Mixed nuts are an excellent source of Omega-Fatty acids which support healthy brain function and improve cardiovascular health. If eating them pre-workout, be sure to drink plenty of water as they tend to act like fibre in the body by binding together nutrients within food particles for better digestion. Packed with potassium and magnesium, they’ll also provide valuable electrolytes that will aid in hydration during and after workouts! Nuts usually contain more calories than vegetables so it’s best not to overindulge on these nutty snacks when trying to shed weight instead enjoy one serving (around 100) per day.
Coffee
Not a food, it’s a beverage but the effects of caffeine on gym performance is quite known. Pre-workout beverages, on the other hand, are usually full of sugar and artificial sweeteners which can lead to a myriad of health problems. Pre-workouts that contain caffeine should be limited when used as part of a larger weight loss plan.
Coconut Water
Packed with electrolytes (potassium) for hydration during workouts and after working out! Coconut water is also rich in natural sugars found in fruit juice but because it’s low-calorie you can consume more without feeling guilty about calories ingested (usually around 50 per bottle). The downside? It doesn’t taste like anything so incorporating it into your pre-workout routine will take time getting used to if you’re not already accustomed to drinking it.
Bananas
Bananas are important for pre-workout fuel as they’re a great source of potassium, an important electrolyte lost through sweat. Bananas also provide natural sugars that can be used for energy during your workout and almond butter is another option to use as fuel by spreading on bananas.