Top 5 Foods to Eat Before a Workout

There are different schools of thought on whether one should eat before a workout. One side says do not eat and allow your body to burn the fats already stored. Other experts say to fuel your body before a big workout so you have the energy to do a workout properly.

In this post, I am obviously sharing tips for those that believe you should eat before a workout. The other viewpoint will come another day.

Pre Workout Food Tips

Many people believe that you should eat before exercising as it is important to fuel your body for the work that it is about to do. Eating too little or not at all before a workout will likely lead to quick fatigue and weakness due to low blood glucose.

On the other hand, consuming too much food before exercise may cause stomach discomfort, nausea or cramping. The foods you choose to consume is just as important as eating pre-workout. The timing of meals as well can affect energy levels during exercise.

Pre-Workout Nutrition Facts

A good pre-workout meal plan should incorporate protein rich foods with carbohydrates. Of course, carbohydrates are your body’s primary source of energy. These macro-nutrients can be further broken down into two groups – complex carbs and simple sugars. The type of carbs to eat before an exercise session largely depends on the timing of a meal and your workout.

Generally, food sources with simple sugars digest quickly and provide the body with fast acting glucose. For this reason, they make good snacks, which you can eat 30 minutes to an hour before exercise. Best for those that exercise immediately after getting up in the morning.

On the other hand, complex or low GI carbohydrates are best eaten at least 3 hours before workouts since they take longer to digest. On the plus side, such carbohydrates will give the body a slow release of energy, allowing you to exercise for longer without experiencing total fatigue in the middle of your workout.

Proteins consumed pre-workout help to prevent muscle catabolism, or the breakdown of muscle, during the exercise session. Fats should be avoided before workouts since they metabolize slowly. In fact, they can leave you feeling sluggish and heavy. Plus, they are high in calories.

Top 5 Foods to Eat Before a Workout

Now that you know what nutrients are most beneficial to the body before exercise, the next step that follows is coming up with a meal plan. Here are a few suggestions for top 5 foods to eat before a workout. Take note also of the recommended meal timing for the various foods.

1. Chicken, Brown Rice and Leafy Greens

This dish will fully nourish your body if taken 3-hours before you hit the gym, running track or aerobics class. A meal like this will provide you with low-fat protein from the lean chicken to promote muscle anabolism as well as a slow release of energy from leafy greens and the brown rice.

2. Wholegrain Bread

Adding wholegrain bread to your pre-workout diet is highly recommended if you engage in endurance training activities like running, cycling or swimming. When consumed 2-3 hours pre-workout, wholegrain bread will help your body to increase glycogen reserves and provide a slow release of energy to fuel you throughout the exercise session.

3. Eggs

Eggs are great pre-workout foods for bodybuilders. Whether you like them fried, scrambled or boiled, they are rich in protein. As a result, eggs supply the body with branched chain amino acids, which prevent muscle breakdown in case glycogen reserves run out as you exercise. What’s more, you can control the fat and cholesterol content by removing the egg yolk. Eggs should be consumed 2-3 hours before your workouts to ensure ample digestion time.

4. Greek Yogurt and Dried Fruit

Dried fruits and yogurt can be consumed 1-1.5 hours before exercise to provide the body with a quick source of simple sugars and protein. For the best results, opt for low-fat, Greek yogurt, which tends to have the highest protein content.

5. Apples

Sometimes it can be hard to find time for whipping up a meal or even wholesome snack before heading out to the gym or running trail. In such cases, a quick dose of carbohydrates is your best bet to invigorate the body before the workout. Apples are healthy energizing foods that will boost your glucose levels when consumed even 30-40 minutes before a workout.

Lastly, remember to drink enough water before your workouts to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and loss of coordination, which may increase risk of injuries during exercise. Try drinking 16-24 ounces of water an hour before workouts and at least 10-ounces every 20-30 minutes of exercise.