Did you know that pre-workout snacks can determine your fitness performance? If you want to get the maximum out of your workout, don’t skip on a quick pre-workout snack. The trick is to have a light snack that is well-balanced filled with complex carbohydrates and protein.half an hour to forty-five minutes before your workout.

Eating the right snack will fuel your body with the energy required to get the maximum out of your workout. Eating a light snack will also mean that you won’t feel heavy and sluggish throughout your workout. Here are some great pre-workout options you can pick from.

1. Oats

Oats are full of complex carbs and fibre. They release carbohydrates slowly and will help keep your energy levels up throughout your workout which means you can train for longer. Add some berries or fruit into them mix and you’ll have a killer snack.

2. Bananas

Bananas are filled with carbohydrates and are a quick sugar fix. This helps in boosting your energy levels. One large banana can keep you going for more than an hour. Do not be afraid to eat bananas. Although they are high in sugar, this is all-natural sugar, and your body needs it to fuel a good workout. A banana with some peanut butter is the perfect pre-workout snack combination.

3. Dried fruit

Dates, dried apricots, dried figs, dried mango are all quick energy releasing carbohydrates. Two or three pieces before a workout will give you the strength and energy to get through your workout and kill it!

4. Grilled Chicken and Sweet Potato

This is more of a meal than a snack, but it’s filled with protein and complex carbohydrates and is best to eat if you are doing a HIIT workout or body building. Not only will it give you ample energy, but it will help you get those gains you’ve been working for.

5. Greek Yoghurt with Fruit

This combination works wonders. Fruits are full of natural sugar and a great source of carbohydrates whereas the greek yoghurt is packed with protein. The carbs are broken down quickly and give your body the instant energy required to power through your workout and the protein is slow releasing, so it helps with muscle building and recovery.

6. Trail Mix

Homemade trail mix is another great option for a pre-workout snack. Make yours with a mixture of nuts and raisins. The nuts are protein packed and help with building muscle. The raisins give you a quick burst of energy to power through your workout. This option is calorie dense and if your goal is weight loss, I would stick to the other options and leave this for when you want to start building muscle.

7. Fruit Smoothies

Packed with nutrients, energy and protein from your choice of milk, this is the perfect, quick and easy pre-workout snack. Pick one fruit and blend with milk so as to keep it light. You don’t want to make your pre-workout smoothie too heavy or else you wont be able to get through your workout without feeling bloated and full.

Yours in Wellness,

@TiziTalks

Writer: Anushka Chandaria- Certified Health Coach

Instagram: @nourishbynush

E-mail: nourishbynush@gmail.com

Images: Strikingly, Optimal Living Daily, Mega Fit Meals, Pexel