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We are here to answer this very question for you. Keep reading if you're interested in learning about the best pre-workout meals for an energised workout!
What to look for in your Pre-workout Meals?
Without getting too technical, we believe that the key to preparing pre-workout meals is to look for foods that are easy to digest and contain a large number of carbs with little protein and fat. Carbohydrates aren't evil, but they are the nutrient that provides us with the most energy, especially before an exercise. Protein is also beneficial to ingest before a workout because it aids in the repair and building of muscle while also keeping you satisfied.
Best Pre-Workout Meals That Keep You Energised
1.Protein Balls
You'll have to invest a little time in the kitchen, but having some protein balls (made at home) to consume before hitting the gym is indeed worth it. They're not only delicious, but they're also much less expensive than protein bars and make excellent, extremely customisable snacks. Feel free to add natural peanut butter, honey, cranberries, cinnamon, or any other combination you like after mixing in some protein powder.
Here's how to make it:
● 1. Combine the dates, walnuts, and macadamia nuts in a food processor.
●2. Add the coconut oil and protein powder after the mixture has been mixed. Blend once more.
●3. Place it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to chill.
●4. Once the mixture has reached a ball-forming consistency, fold in the blueberries, shred coconut and roll into balls.
2.Banana with Peanut Butter and Honey
Bananas are nature's power bar since they're high in simple carbs for energy and potassium, which aids nerve and muscle function. Serve with a dollop of peanut butter (or any other nut butter) on top. (Just make sure to stick to the recommended serving amount of 2 tbsp.)
Drizzle a little honey on top if you want it to be a little sweeter. It releases gradual, constant amounts of glucose into your bloodstream, which is ideal for difficult WODs and endurance workouts where your body may have to rely on muscle glycogen as a source of energy if there aren't enough carbs immediately available.
3.Apricots and Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a high-protein breakfast (or snack) that contains both casein and whey proteins. Whey is a bodybuilding staple that helps bulk muscle and burns fat; casein is a slow-digesting protein that fuels your muscles for hours helping them grow and recover; and casein is a slow-digesting protein that fuels your muscles for hours, helping them grow and recover. Toss a serving of cottage cheese with dried apricots: The combination of protein and carbs is low in fat and fibre, which can promote bloating in the stomach.
4.Fruit Smoothies
As a pre-workout, a fruit smoothie is a wonderful food option because it provides a solid dose of fast-acting glucose. A pre-workout smoothie is simply a combination of protein powders, such as whey protein concentrate, plus nutrient-dense natural foods like fruits and vegetables.
A pre-workout smoothie is a simple and healthy way to meet your daily protein needs in one sitting. However, pre-workout smoothies on the market are frequently exorbitantly priced and fail to fulfil quality criteria for protein intake, so you should make your own.
5.Omelettes
If you're serious about your gastronomic fitness, you can't go a day without consuming eggs in some manner, despite the fact that eggs contain some fat, omelettes cooked with entire eggs, or simply egg whites are high in muscle-building protein and amino acids. To avoid muscle catabolism and stimulate muscle growth, omelettes should be had 2-3 hours before a workout – for added nutrients, add some greens like spinach or kale to make the most of this meal.
6.Greek Yoghurt and Fruits
This is a fantastic combination. The fruit is high in carbohydrates, while Greek yoghurt is high in protein. Greek yoghurt offers approximately twice the protein, half the carbs, and half the salt of regular yoghurt. What ties them together? The carbs in the fruit are immediately broken down and used as fuel throughout your workout, whilst the protein is stored for a bit longer and used to prevent muscle damage, so it's an ideal match.
What Should You Not Eat Before a Workout?
Foods high in fat or fibre can be heavy to digest and take a long time to pass through the stomach. This means that instead of delivering oxygen to your muscles, blood will be diverted to your stomach. If it happens when you're exercising, you're likely to get cramps, a stomachache, as well as nausea. Avoid meals like pastries, fries, potato chips, candies, and red meat as a general rule. While beans, dry fruits, coleslaw, and dairy may be nutritious, if you are prone to bloating, you may want to avoid them and other potentially gassy items that may be gassy before exercising.
Final Words
While life is hectic, don't overlook the value of pre-workout nutrition! If you're short on time and don't know what to eat before a workout, consider one of these quick-to-prepare meals that are as good as they are energising.
Remember that carbs equal energy, so eating them before a workout may help you push yourself further. Just before an exercise, simple carbs right before a workout or a more full breakfast (carbs + protein + fat) will also help you maintain your energy, especially for longer workouts. Pay attention to your body and try out different pre-workout meals to see what works best for you.