The ultimate guide to pre-workout snacks

Our body needs fuel to function properly, the fuel is none other than adequate water and healthy food. During workouts, our body sweats itself out and works itself up, therefore the right amount of fuel becomes necessary to support the number of physical activities the body is undergoing. Pre-workout snacks become important because we need the energy to work out, our body’s been hungry for over eight to ten hours since the last meal, our dinner.

The purpose of pre-workout snacks

It is a tough task to convince oneself to go to the gym, let alone last till the end, but once you’ve forced yourself to a workout, it is necessary to provide your body the fuel it requires to generate energy. Feeling lethargic yet working out does not go hand in hand, therefore we see the need for pre-workout snacks. Our body needs the energy to exercise, we feed ourselves with the food required to generate that energy, pre-workout snacks ensure you stay energised throughout physical exercises.

Choosing the right pre-workout snack

We must know that the optimum quantity and quality of pre-workout snacks must be chosen, it cannot be extremely heavy or light. The best pre-workout snack will depend on your body type and the kind of workout you will indulge in. It is advised to consult a nutritionist for a personalised pre-workout snack. 

Two things should be kept in mind before tailoring pre-workout snacks:

1. A balanced amount of carbohydrates and protein to give you sustained energy throughout. 
2. Observe the time you have before you start working out and opt for a pre-workout snack accordingly. If you have a window of about 2-3 hours, you can opt for a filling meal for sustained energy. If you have 1-2 hours ensure that you opt for easily digestible food items. A quick energy booster might help when your workout is 20-30 minutes away. 

Quick and easy pre-workout snack ideas

We saw how we can consider food items as pre-workout snacks. Here is a list of ideas for healthy pre-workout snack recipes, these snacks are healthy and can be prepared quickly. Feel free to practise your creativity and add your favourite healthy ingredients for a savoury breakfast.

1. Eggs: Eggs are rich in protein and help in muscle building. Curate an egg salad with your favourite vegetables or an omelette for a tasty filling pre-workout snack.
2. Fruit smoothie: A quick, easy-to-make smoothie with your favourite fruits, yogurt, and milk can be energising and refreshing.
3. Fruits with peanut butter: Apple slices, a banana, or any fruit with a spoonful of healthy peanut butter can fulfil your body’s needs for fats and proteins. 
4. Dates and dry fruits: Combine a handful of dates with dry fruits and chia seeds for essential nutrients, fibre, and protein, and here is a tasteful pre-workout snack.
5. Yogurt with granola and berries: Yogurt with granola and berries offers a delicious combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
6. Quinoa salad: Quinoa is excellent in protein, top it up with your favourite veggies for extra nutrients.
7. Sprouts: Easily digestible and rich in nutrients, sprouts can give a healthy kick-start. 

Conclusion

Our body is a storehouse of potential, this potential can be unlocked once we discover the key to the same. Our body requires fuel to function, the fuel is none other than food and water. The right quantity and quality of food and exercise with the consumption of adequate amounts of water is the key. 

The food we consume generates energy to work throughout the day, likewise, energy is required for physical exertions. Pre-workout snack ensures we have the energy to use during workouts. We must invest in tailoring the perfect pre-workout snacks for the perfect results. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to eat a pre-workout snack?

Our bodies work on energy. The energy required to do a task has to be made available in our system beforehand, likewise, for physical activities such as workouts we need energy. A pre-workout snack gives the body the much-needed energy to carry on with our exercises.

What are the best pre-workout snacks for energy?

Some pre-workout snacks for energy boost are as follows:

1. Banana with peanut butter
2. Apple slices with almond butter
3. Dates with dry fruits and chia seeds
4. Boiled eggs
5. Yogurt with berries

When is the best time to eat a pre-workout snack?

The ideal time to eat a pre-workout snack should be 1-2 hours before you start working out. However, you can also curate your pre-workout snack according to the time you have in hand. If you have 2-3 hours, a filling meal with complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats can be consumed. A 1-2 hour away workout snack should be easily digestible with simple carbs and protein. Light snacks that contain simple carbs can be eaten when you are just 30-60 minutes away. 

Experiment with your body, and what suits you well, or consult a doctor for detailed analysis.

What should I avoid eating before a workout?

Remember the pre-workout snack should not cause any difficulty during physical exercises. These are things to avoid before a workout, which are tough to digest, and might cause bloating and acidity during workouts.

1. High-fiber foods 
2. High-fat foods
3. Sugary foods and beverages
4. Heavy meal
5. Spicy foods
6. Processed foods

Can I eat a pre-workout snack if I'm trying to lose weight?

Yes, pre-workout snacks can be consumed even if you are trying to lose weight. It helps to boost performance and give you better results, prevents muscle breakdown, and reduces cravings. Remember losing weight is not avoiding food, but eating healthy food with a good workout routine.