Running out the door to hit the gym? Take just five minutes to make a healthy pre-workout snack and you’ll be happy you did. Experts say what you eat before a workout can have a major impact on how easy (or freakin’ hard) your gym session ends up being. A good rule of thumb is to make your snack a mix of mostly carbs and a little bit of protein for maximum exercise success. Here are 15 pre-workout snack ideas that help to boost your energy and ensure you’re burning fat, not muscle.
1. Greek Yogurt and Fruit: Yogurt is easy on your stomach and gives just the right amount of protein to build those tight abs we’re all aiming for. (via Brit + Co)
2. Trail Mix: Choose a mix that doesn’t have too many sweet additions (yes, we know the M&Ms are the best part). Or even better, try making your own with your favorite nuts and dried fruit. (via The Wannabe Chef)
3. Hummus: Chickpeas are full of protein, and the carbs from the pita chips will energize you no matter how intense your workout is. (via Smitten Kitchen)
4. Skim Latte: Can you believe we’re putting coffee on the list of things you should be eating? The caffeine in coffee will keep you amped up just enough to get through that HIIT workout. (via Offbeat and Inspired)
5. Whole Wheat Toast With Banana and Cinnamon: Don’t knock carbs – when it comes to workout snacks, they are your BFF. Bananas are perfect for raising potassium levels since you’ll lose a lot when you’re sweating, and cinnamon gives your metabolism an extra kick. (via Prevention)
6. Popcorn: If you can resist the urge to douse it in butter, popcorn is actually a healthy snack that’s easy to whip up before you head to the gym. (via Food 52)
7. Honey Almond Butter and Apple: Switch up the old peanut butter and apple combo with a sweet almond butter spread. Mix one banana, a spoonful of honey, a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of cocoa powder and one tablespoon of almond butter for a snack that tastes just like dessert. (via PopSugar)
8. Oatmeal: If you’re eating one to two hours before you’re actually hitting the gym, go for something with more fiber, like oatmeal and a handful of your favorite fruit. (via Skinny Mom)
9. Dates and Peanut Butter: When you’re planning on working out during your lunch break or after work, it’s nice to have a snack ready to go. Slice open pitted dates, put a half-tablespoon of nut butter inside and then toss them in your workout bag or purse for a quick snack. (via Prevention)
10. Fruit Smoothies: Smoothies are an awesome pre-workout snack because they can be rapidly digested, and have the key combination of simple and complex carbohydrates. Bonus points if you drink it with a rad straw like this one. (via Brit + Co)
11. Apples and Peanut Butter: Go for an old classic with apples and two tablespoons of peanut butter. (via Fit Pregnancy)
12. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls: Dump all the ingredients into a blender and you have instant protein snacks. Whip up a bunch of these handy balls on Sunday and you’ll have treats ready for the whole week. (via Vegan Family Recipes)
13. Quinoa and Fruit: Have some quinoa left over from last night’s dinner? Mix it up with some fruit for a high-protein, high-fiber and low-fat pre-workout snack. (via Little Ferraro Kitchen)
14. Chocolate Banana Smoothie: Whip up this delish smoothie for the perfect blend of sweet and protein. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture and major nutrient-rich boost that’ll power you through just about anything. (via Paleo Grubs)
15. Hard-Boiled Egg Whites With Avocado: Craving something savory? Mix up some egg whites with an avocado for a protein-charged super snack. (via Martha Stewart)
What are your favorite pre-workout snacks? Share your tips in the comments below!
