You are a cross-fitter. With time, you have learned to skip the unhealthy stuff and have become faithful to the leg days. However, you have been struggling in the food department, not knowing what to include in your pre-workout diet. You have been subscribing to an all-carb diet, but that does not seem to work the magic.
Well, if you want to reap the benefits of exercise, you need to consider an all-inclusive diet. You see, while your body withstands the spirit-killing workout sessions at the gym, a healthy diet helps replenish the energy and nutrients lost.
According to studies, a top weight loss supplement or personalized diet plan rich in carbs, a moderate amount of proteins, and low fat is the way to go. Carbs naturally help power you up, while the proteins help with weight lifting. Fibers tend to slow digestion. Therefore, high amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset during exercise.
To help make your work easier, we narrowed down the seven best foods you should consider. They are easily accessible and have helped hundreds in their fitness and wellness journey. Read on to find out more.
Foods to Help Fuel Up Your Workout
Intense workout sessions require high amounts of energy and, thus, a proper diet. You do not want to consume a plate of fries an hour before exercise since all the blood will rush to help with digestion while also trying to boost your exercising muscles.
That said, and according to Health Web Magazine, here are some of the best foods to consume pre-workout:
- Greek Yogurt & Fruit. It is a killer meal combo. Fruits, be it wild berries, banana slices, grapefruit slices, or peaches are loaded with carbohydrates, which help power up your exercise.
Greek yogurt, on the other hand, packs a powerful protein-filled punch. Compared to flavored yogurt, which most people prefer, Greek yogurt contains double amounts of proteins, low carbs, and moderate sodium.
So, why should you take these two together?
Well, as per Health Web Magazine, the carbs present in fruits are easily broken down and help improve your energy levels for the workout, while proteins in Greek yogurt help prevent muscle damage and support muscle recovery. Therefore, in hindsight, this is a perfect pairing.
- Grilled Chicken, Broccoli & Sweet Potato Slices. If you have been looking to build your muscle mass or hit the circuit training hard, then this classic combo should be your go-to. It packs a healthy blend of protein and complex carbs.
The chicken provides you with a healthy amount of proteins, and broccoli features high amounts of potassium (ideal for cardiovascular functions) and fibers. At the same time, sweet potatoes pack a complex blend of carbs. It’s one of those meals that tick all the boxes, probably the reason why pro-athletes chow down on it regularly.
So, maybe, it’s time you also give it a chance. It might just be what your body needs to help you to reap the benefits of exercise.
- High-Protein Oatmeal & Blueberries. If you are running late, whip up this powerful combo and have a killer workout session. According to several research excerpts, oats are whole-grain foods rich in both carbs and proteins. They are also incredible at offering you sustained energy for the longer workouts and boost your feeling of fullness.
Blueberries or cherries, on the other hand, feature antioxidants that help prevent free radical damage. They are also ‘oh-so delicious’, making them fun and easy to consume.
Combining these two with a protein punch of Greek yogurt boosts the number of amino acids in your body, which help with muscle-building. So, if you want to hit the HIIT, this is the ideal combo for you.
- Homemade Granola Bars. If you are a kitchen wiz, then you can always bake some homemade granola bars. According to experts, a granola bar with ancient grains, nuts, wholesome carbs like amaranth, some dried fruits, and quinoa, can fuel your body for those burpees and inchworms and a lot less cash. All it takes is a little prep, and voila! You’ll be a step closer to reaching your weight loss goals.
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese & Dried Apricots. A University of Sydney Australia study shows that low-fat cottage cheese includes 4% of carbs, meaning it’s a power-packed snack that will fuel your body for an intense workout. It’s also rich in casein, a quick-digesting protein that boosts your muscle mass and whey protein, a body-building essential that helps burn fat faster.
Adding some dried apricots to a serving of low-fat cheese helps increase your strength for those rigorous exercises and allows you to perform at your best.
- Scrambled Eggs, Veggies & Avocado. Avocado and eggs, what more could one want for breakfast? Eggs, yes, the whole egg, not just the egg white, is packed with wholesome proteins. The yolk alone contains all eight essential amino acids, making it an ideal pre-workout food option.
Apart from giving your skin that radiant touch, avocado offers your body a healthy fat fix, and the veggies are nutrient-packed powerhouses, no matter which you prefer. So go crazy, mix up this combo and give those body-builders a run for their money.
- Whole Grain Toast, Peanut Butter & Banana Slices. If you want to enjoy the benefits of exercise, give this power-packed combo a chance. Whole grains feature complex carbs that pack an insane amount of energy. They are also slower to be jetted into your bloodstream, so you won’t have to worry about a sugar spike. Bananas, on the other hand, nature’s power bars have potassium, a nutrient that promotes nerve and muscle functions.
Mix the two with two tablespoons of peanut butter, and you’ll have a moderate amount of protein to help you with those grueling WODS and strength training workouts.
Bonus Point!
It would be best if you also remembered to take your meal 30 to 90 minutes before heading to the gym, as you don’t want to feel bloated. If you are consuming a larger meal, wait for 90 minutes. However, if you’re snacking on some light options, 30 minutes should be fine.
Also, in case you’re in a rush and can’t whip up some of these meals, you can always try a top weight loss supplement.
Dietary supplements today contain ingredients that offer you carbs, proteins, and low amounts of fats in one pill. If you don’t know which one to go for, considering the number of dietary supplements on the market, check out Modere Trim reviews and see if it’s your best option.
Don’t also forget to hydrate. Workouts and diet plans don’t work unless you take plenty of water. So, get yourself a water bottle and make sure you take five glasses of water two to four hours before your workout.
Bottom Line
Not eating right before exercise is like driving a car on empty. You don’t have enough energy, and you also limit your chances of burning those extra calories. Maybe that protein shake queen isn’t your ‘bestie’, or your homemade granola bar making skills need some polishing up. That’s okay.
Like fitness programs, there’s never a one-meal-fits-all when it comes to pre-workout diet options. You can always invest in a top weight loss supplement that gives you all ingredients in one pack. It all depends on what’s right for you.
