7 things to eat before you workout
We make clothes that are guaranteed to give you the confidence and the drive to be the best version of yourself, but looking good isn’t nearly as important as feeling good when it comes to powering through your next workout. If we want our bodies to perform at their best we need to be fueling them with the best. Just like you wouldn’t expect a Ferrari to perform at its best on low octane gas, you can’t expect your own body to perform at its peak if you’re fueling it incorrectly (or not at all). If you give your body what it needs to succeed, you’ll be surprised at the goals you’re able to achieve. So, here are seven simple meals to ensure you’re fueled and ready to go before your next workout.
Plain Greek Yogurt with Fruit and Granola
This snack is a double whammy, providing quick digesting carbs for fuel and high protein from the Greek yogurt. While a flavored yogurt might sound more appealing, fresh berries are the way to go: straight from Mother Nature herself, the perfect touch of sweetness and no artificial sugars and flavors. Make sure you look for granola that has nuts or seeds and wholesome carbs like oats or quinoa. This pre-workout snack will give your body what it needs to go the extra mile.
Fruit Smoothie
Fruit is an easy snack that provides simple sugars the body can easily digest (and quickly access for energy). Enter: a whole fruit smoothie. Making your own smoothie ensures that the ingredients are wholesome, low in sugar, and high in protein. Try blending a banana, peanut butter, oats, flaxseeds, and almond milk for a slurpable, satisfying smoothie. Want to add some tropical vibes? Mix a variety of fresh berries (in this case, think strawberries, pineapple, mango), banana, spinach, and coconut milk. The key and more so the beauty of smoothies, is that you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the flavor palette you’re going for. Find out what you like, throw it in the blender, sip, enjoy, and get after it.
Overnight Oats
For those of you morning gym-goers, overnight oats just became your new best friend. This meal will energize your body for a full workout, even at the crack of dawn. The best part? You prepare it the night before so it’s waiting to say good morning when you crack open the fridge. Here are the simple steps to making a gooey, energy filled bowl of oats:
- 1 cup nut milk or water
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- 1 ½ tablespoon chia seeds
- Dash of cinnamon
- Dash vanilla extract
-
Add all of the ingredients to a container, mix and store in the fridge overnight.
-
In the morning, pull from the fridge and add your favorite toppings. Things like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries are some top picks. If you’re looking for more sustained energy, try throwing a small scoop of peanut butter on top.
Banana with Peanut Butter and Honey
Mother Nature gave us bananas because they’re loaded with simple carbs for fuel and potassium for optimal nerve and muscle function, but also because---they’re delicious and the perfect vehicle for inhaling some salty peanut butter. Spice up your nanner with 2 Tbsp of peanut butter (or your nut butter of choice) and some honey for extra sweetness. A simple, yet sustaining snack that lets you train at your best.
Apple with Almond Butter and Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a great source of natural simple sugar. Pairing it with the small amount of fiber in apples and the monounsaturated fats in almond butter will curb your cravings without filling you up–ideal for those morning gym goers who don’t wake up hungry.
Low-fat Cottage Cheese and Dried Apricots
Believe it or not, cottage cheese serves as a power packed breakfast or snack with healthy amounts of casein and whey protein. Casein is a slow-digesting protein that fuels muscles for hours; whey is a protein that helps bulk muscle and burn fat. Add dried apricots to your bowl for a touch of sweetness. This combination of protein and carbs is low in fat and fiber to keep you full, without causing belly bloat.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Yes, you read correctly. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a classic, all-American pre-workout snack. It’s portable, cheap, and easy–a trifecta! Plus, it's a great source of protein and carbs. Aim to use whole wheat bread and natural peanut butter.
