Foods to Fuel My Body Pre-Workout

Fuelling your body with the right kinds of foods before your workout is almost as important as the workout itself.

If you want to get the most out of your training sessions and achieve the best results, you need to prepare your body to work hard. This involves eating the right kinds of foods to prevent you from feeling fatigued halfway through your workout.

Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or an average gym-goer looking to improve your health, the foods you eat before your workouts can significantly affect your performance. Good nutrition is also key to faster recovery after your tough workouts!

The exact foods that are best for your body will vary depending on your preferences, your genetics, and the type of workout you’re doing. There are no exact rules, but there are some general guidelines that apply to every situation.

Here are some of the best pre-workout foods to fuel your training sessions.

Bananas

As one of the most commonly eaten pre-workout snacks, bananas are great to fuel your body with lots of simple carbohydrates. Simple sugars provide a rapid release of glucose into the bloodstream that your muscle fibers can use for energy during your workout.

Bananas also provide the body with potassium, which can further benefit your workouts. Potassium can only be stored in the body for around 30 minutes, so try and eat your banana shortly before your workout for maximum benefits.

Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a classic pre-workout meal. It combines a great source of lean protein with complex carbohydrates to provide you with the perfect energy-boosting combination.

The amino acids in the chicken will aid muscle growth and recovery, and the carbohydrates in the rice will prevent you from feeling fatigued during and after your workout.

Protein Bars

Protein bars can provide a rapid source of carbohydrates and protein just before your workouts. They’re quick and easy to consume and can be taken with you to the gym for a pre-workout boost of energy.

With the endless varieties of protein bars that are available nowadays, you’ll never get bored of trying new flavors. Most of them taste great, and they’re perfect for bumping up your total daily protein intake. Just remember to check the ingredients list!

Oats

Oats provide a great source of slow-releasing carbohydrates that can keep you fuelled during your intense workouts. They are full of soluble fiber that aids digestion and slows down the release of glucose into your bloodstream, so you don’t get a huge blood sugar spike!

Aim to eat your oats around two hours before your workouts to ensure you can satisfy your hunger and fuel your workouts. You can add whatever toppings you like to keep your oat bowls interesting and varied. Adding peanut butter and whey protein powder is a great way to add extra protein and flavor.