While pre-workout supplements are popular because they’re quick and convenient, they’re not always the best choice. Their potential side effects, like uncomfortable tingling in fingers and toes, the jittery sensation, and suddenly overactive bowels, can quickly ruin any exercise. Instead of purchasing these overpriced powders, try a natural pre-workout snack so you can feel strong, energized, and gain the nutrients your body needs without any nasty side effects.
Bananas
Bananas are one of the best things you can eat before working out. They’re high in carbohydrates, which give your body the fuel it needs to perform in the gym, and their potassium content aids in muscle and nerve function. These are best to eat 30 minutes before a morning workout, along with a protein source, like yogurt or peanut butter.
Whole Grain Bread and Turkey
A slice of whole grain bread and a few slices of turkey provides your body with lasting energy and the protein your muscles need to repair themselves. If you want to hit the gym during lunch, eat this about 45 minutes before and you’ll be able to enjoy your workout without battling hunger.
Apples and Peanut Butter
Not only is this OTP a delicious treat, it’s also a great pre-workout snack. One medium apple with two tablespoons of peanut butter provides your body with a quick energy burst of complex carbs and the protein your muscles crave after a workout. Enjoy this snack 30 minutes before you hit the gym, no matter what time of day you work out, and you’ll crush the weights. If you want to skip the mess involved with peanut butter, you can sub raw or lightly salted almonds.
Coffee
It might seem a little weird to recommend a cup of coffee before exercising, but as long as you make sure to hydrate throughout the day it’s the perfect pre-workout snack. The caffeine from coffee takes about 20 minutes to hit, so working out around then is the best plan. Just make sure to skip the cream and sugar to keep it healthy. A bonus of drinking coffee before a workout is that it decreases muscle pain so you can lift more weight and do more reps than usual.
Pistachios and Blueberries
For an easy pre-workout snack, the protein and carb combo of blueberries and pistachios is a great choice. Blueberries are anti-inflammatory, so you’ll suffer less muscle damage and soreness afterwards, and the protein will help your muscles repair themselves, so you can see those gains sooner.
