PRE-WORKOUT FOODS TO ENERGIZE YOU QUICKLY
Headed to the gym soon but know you need some fuel to really get your body energized and help make your next workout the best and increase results? We’ve put together some great pre-workout food choices if you’re in a pinch and need some fuel fast.
First off we want to make something is very clear. We’re talking about pre-workout snacking, you should make sure that you don’t eat immediately before a workout, you’ll probably end up getting an upset stomach and actually hurting the results you’re looking for. Instead, we suggest you take your pre-workout snack about 1-3 hours before you workout. If you’re interested in having enough time for digestion and quick nutrient absorption, try a liquid snack like a protein fruit smoothie as liquid foods are easier to digest. Also, avoid coffee, tea, and sugary drinks before your workout. Instead, NO3 MaxPump (TopForm’s new pre-workout capsule) 30 minutes before a workout can give you a great energy boost that won’t dehydrate you or upset your stomach.
The best pre-workout snacks provide a variety of nutrients including carbohydrates for energy, fluid for hydration, and protein for stamina. They’re also low in fat and fiber to avoid upset stomach or cramping during exercise. Check out our favorite choices below and try some out this week!
- 1.Small turkey wrap Choose a low-fiber wrap to provide carbs without risking stomach cramping during your workout. Turkey is a great choice for pre-workout foods as it is low-calorie, low-fat, and protein-rich. There are about 8g of protein in every ounce of cooked turkey breast. Wrap it up with a little low calorie condiment to add in extra flavor.
- 2. Pita with peanut butter You can get extra protein by adding just 2 tablespoons of peanut butter on a thin pita. You’ll get carbs from the pita and protein from the peanut butter. This snack also has more fat and fiber than the other options on the list so it will help you to feel fuller. Make sure you’ve given yourself enough time before your workout if you choose this pre-workout snack!
- 3. Cottage cheese with an apple Cottage cheese is a great way to get more protein. Try spreading some lowfat (variety on slices of apple. You’ll get the carbs you need from the apple (in addition to adding extra water to your body for hydration) and 3 grams of protein per ounce of the cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is also a great source of vitamin B12, which is essential for the active body.
- 4. Banana Bananas make a really easy pre-workout choice with no preparation. A medium-sized banana has about 100 calories, no fat, and 27g of carbs that your body can use later for energy during exercise. Bananas are also a great source of potassium. Potassium is essential to help your body maintain proper nerve and muscle function. If you don’t like bananas, other hand fruits like oranges, apples, and peaches are also good pre-workout choices. Don’t go overboard though, 1 or 2 pieces of fruit is all you need.
- 5. Low-fat yogurt Low-fat yogurt can be a great way to prepare your body for exercise. Yogurt is easy for your stomach to digest and, with 32g of carbs in a 6 oz container, is great for providing your body with easily useful energy for later. Yogurt also has good levels of activate enzymes to help your body to metabolize carbs.
- 6. Raisins/Dried fruit A warning: portion-control is key to making dried fruit a good option. Make sure you’re only taking a small handful and avoid trial mix varieties with fatty, sugary sweets like chocolate and nuts. Just one ounce of raisins has 22 grams of carbs. You can try mixing them into your yogurt as well!
Try one of these snacks out this week and let us know what you think on Facebook. Also, make sure to try NO3 MaxPump – the new, ultimate pre-workout capsule from TopForm. NO3 MaxPump provides the explosive energy, increased focus, and stamina you need to take your workouts to the top!
