Exercising can be pretty tedious work because of the energy it burns. To develop good muscle memory, you need to exercise consistently. However, before beginning your workout, you need to eat healthily so that you can have energy.
Most people believe that smoothies are the only thing reliable enough to eat before a workout. But, there are loads of other healthy foods that you can eat. This article is going to give you information on which foods are best to eat before working out and what time is the best time to eat them.
9 Best Pre-Workout Meals
When it comes to working out, different meals have different effects on the body. Some meals help to build muscle, while others make it easier for you to burn fat cells. However, there are particular meals that help to provide you with the energy necessary to complete your workout. Apart from conventional protein shakes, here is a list of nine things you can eat before working out:
Eggs
Eggs are protein rich substances that help the body build muscles. If you are looking to gain muscle from working out, it is important to have a high protein intake. Research shows that eggs help to increase muscle mass when consumed before or even after a workout. Studies have also shown that eggs can help athletes increase the amount of strain their muscles can bear.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a concentrated protein source that can help boost muscle recovery. It works as a good pre-workout meal when consumed an hour or two before hitting the gym. You can pair it with low carbs to boost energy, and if you’re looking for diverse flavors, you can try a Greek chocolate yogurt. If you’re going to eat Greek yogurt 30 minutes before a workout, it’s best to pair it with fruit.
Bananas
Contrary to the belief that bananas are fruit and they only provide vitamins, bananas are actually a great source of energy for workouts. Eating 2 or 3 bananas before working out can give you the much needed energy to finish your workout. Bananas are very easy to digest, so you can eat them 10 minutes before working out and you’ll be good to go. Finally, their high antioxidant content makes them a good meal to help avoid muscle cramps.
Avocados
Avocados have highly concentrated unsaturated fats. You can eat them a few hours before a workout so that they can properly digest. However, eating them a few minutes before working out is a bad idea. This is because their high fat content can lead to indigestion and stomach cramps during workouts. If you’re going to include them in your pre-workout diet, it’s best to ensure that you eat an hour or two before hitting the gym.
Granola
Granola bars are packed with energy boosters and protein. They can help with cardio exercises and muscle building, because of their high healthy fat content, they are one of the most beneficial snacks for building muscles. Furthermore you can eat granola if you are low on energy. Granola is also suitable for athletes.
Salmon
Salmon is a high protein food that can increase muscle mass if consumed before working out due to its protein rich content salmon can help to increase resistance workout muscle gain. It also contains amino acids such as omega 3 fatty acids which are great for the heart and other bodily functions. If you’re looking to gain muscle and lose fat salmon is a great addition to your pre workout diet.
Low fiber vegetables
Vegetables that are too rich in fiber can be unhealthy to eat before a workout. It is important to consume vegetables that are low in fiber before working out to help with your cardio exercises and losing weight. Some examples of vegetables that can help detoxify your body include: cucumber, white potatoes, carrots, string beans etc.
Whole Grain and Lean Meat
Whole grain is a high fiber content that helps to reduce the risk of certain diseases, however whole grain can be useful as pre-workout for people on a gluten free diet. When paired with lean meat the combination can be great for muscle growth and development. You can also pair whole grain with food before working out, it is especially good for people involved in competitive sports.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a great source of protein because it is made from Groundnuts which are high protein fiber vegetables. Peanut butter can be paired with apples or raisins. This combination helps to gain energy before workout and also increases the production of muscles.
It is important to always stick to a healthy diet and ensure that your pre-workout meals are always properly planned. Finally, it is also important to always drink lots of water to always remain hydrated and avoid muscle cramps.
