If you’re not eating a snack or pre-workout supplement before hitting the gym, this article is for you. GET IT!
15 Pre-Workout Snacks That Give You Energy and Don’t Suck
Carbohydrates for Training and Bulking
1. Buckwheat Peanut Butter Bars
Turn your buckwheat into protein-rich energy bars covered in peanut butter. Buckwheat is a great pre-workout snack for your training and bulking. Its high-calorie content is composed of complex carbs that can fuel you throughout your whole workout. You can make this snack in advance and store it in the fridge for months.
2. Banana Peanut Butter Chia Toast
Get your protein from peanut butter and your complex carbs from a banana and some chia seeds. Spread the peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat toast. Place the sliced bananas on top. Then, sprinkle chia seeds on them. With 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, you’re getting 4 grams of complex carbs to fuel you for hours.
3. Rice Cakes covered in Almond Butter
Rice cakes have become famous bodybuilding snacks because of their low-calorie content. Their high complex carbs content keeps you fueled throughout your workout. Their low sodium content prevents that bloated feeling from water retention. Lather some protein-rich almond butter on your rice cakes to make one of the best pre-workout snacks!
4. Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Oats are one of the best sources of complex carbohydrates. They also promote good digestion with their rich fiber content. Whereas banana gives extra energy, and cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar. Fill a glass jar with oats, sliced bananas, cinnamon, and a glass of milk. Leave it in the fridge overnight, and enjoy it first thing in the morning!
5. Sweet Potato and Yogurt
This pre-workout snack is especially great for cardio exercise and long workouts. Boiled sweet potato is rich in complex carbohydrates. Substituting the usual sour cream dip with Greek yogurt will make this snack healthier and richer in protein.
6. Popcorn
Popcorn without the melted butter is a healthy snack. It is rich in fiber and carbohydrates and has more antioxidants than most fruits. This is a great pre-workout snack to quickly give your body carbs to burn.
7. Meat and Rice
Jasmine rice or white rice is filled with carbohydrates that can fuel the body for any high-intensity workout. Eat it with ground beef for some pre-workout protein.
Protein for Weight Loss
1. Peanut Butter Balls
Are you looking for a quick protein snack before your morning gym session? Start your daily protein intake with oats covered in peanut butter. Place oats in a bowl and then, spoon in some peanut butter. Mix them together. Then, roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate them.
2. Boiled Egg Avocado Toast
This pre-workout snack is extremely rich in protein. Make a sandwich spread with avocado. Place boiled egg slices on top. Use whole wheat bread for the toat to add complex carbs that’ll help fuel your body during your training session.
3. Avocado BLT
Avocados are rich in protein. Instead of using toast to make your BLT, take out the seed and use that space for bacon bits, lettuce strips, and diced tomatoes. You can also use full-fat Greek yogurt to replace the mayo.
4. Carrot and Hummus Dip
Carrots dipped in hummus is a classic pre-workout snack. The hummus dip is high in protein. It’s also great for weight loss plans because it’s rich in fiber and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
5. Hard Boiled Egg on Toast
Eggs are high in protein. They are easy to boil and pack. For a more sustainable intense training snack, pair them with wheat toast. You can also add fruits for some glycogen.
6. Protein Shakes
Instead of drinking your protein shakes on its own, add 2 tablespoons of rolled oats into the blender. This will turn your pre-workout protein smoothie into a satiating snack. Adding a sliced banana into the blend will give you additional potassium and energy.
7. Walnuts and Apricots
Eating walnuts and dried apricots before a workout is a great way to improve performance during training. Apricots contain fructose which serves as a primary source of energy. A handful of walnuts contain over a hundred calories rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fat.
8. Greek Yogurt
One of the best fast snacks you can eat right after taking it out of the fridge is Greek yogurt. This low-calorie snack is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. For additional carbs, add some honey on top.
Save this infographic for later!
Pre-workout snacks for weight loss diets are rich in protein. Bulking and athlete training diets require pre-workout snacks with lots of complex carbohydrates. The best pre-workout snacks contain both carbohydrates and protein to give you that all-around boost without ruining your diet.
What pre-workouts snacks do you eat to boost your performance? Mention them in the comments section below!
UP NEXT: Does Protein Powder Work And More Frequently Asked Questions