Get the most out of your workout.
The piece of the puzzle that many people miss when it comes to exercising is how large of a role your nutrition plays in meeting your goals. A solid workout is best paired with a well-rounded combination of macronutrients that keep your body functioning at the highest capacity. You might be surprised that finding a good source of protein can do more to keep you energized than the newest and best-tasting pre-workout supplements! Fueling your body properly will allow your muscles to work harder and your cardiovascular system to become stronger. By choosing from the best pre-workout snacks below, you will reach your health and fitness goals in no time!
Related: 15 Quick and Easy Power Snacks
Table of Contents
What Should I Eat Before a Workout?
It can be tempting to work out on an empty stomach. But research has shown that fueling your body with the proper nutrients, such as protein, carbs, and fiber, at least an hour before your workout will help you to give max effort in the gym.
If you are in a hurry, or wake up really early for your workout and struggle with breakfast options, grab a piece of fruit for a quick carb boost to give your body at least something to go on!
Some people also like to reach for sports drinks with added electrolytes. But honestly, some good old-fashioned water is what your body needs the most. If you need to flavor your water, check out these 55 Fruit-Infused Water Recipes.
What Are Some Good Pre-Workout Snacks?
If you have some time to prepare before heading to the gym for your next workout (or if you have moved your workout space to your home to save time and money), we have some great pre-workout snacks you can try!
Nut Butter with Fruit
This is a tasty and satisfying combination that will provide you with loads of energy. Try our Skinny Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip for extra flavor and protein.
Greek Yogurt
This is a great pre-workout snack as it gives you a solid amount of protein, very little added sugar, and will help your body sustain a high-intensity workout. Toss in some fresh berries for extra nutrients! Our Greek Yogurt Bark is great in a pinch!
Oatmeal
You can also pair your fresh fruit with oatmeal to add great flavor and natural carbohydrates. Our High-Protein Overnight Oats are a fantastic pre-workout snack! You might also like to try our ultra-popular Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats.
Whole Wheat Toast
Many people already have this on hand in their pantry, so it makes for a great addition to a healthy breakfast or snack. Get a protein boost with Egg Clouds on Whole Grain Toast or try an avocado spread for extra energy.
Grilled or Baked Chicken
Many people think of chicken when they think of healthy additions to their diets, and that is because it is a great source of protein. You could pair it with some cottage cheese, brown rice, or vegetables for a quick, simple, and efficient pre-workout snack or meal. Our Asian Chicken Wraps are a light yet protein-packed pre-workout snack option.
Almonds or Other Nuts
When you’re grocery shopping, instead of filling your cart with unhealthy foods like chips or cookies, add in some nuts! You can enjoy them as a nutritious snack or add them into a meal. Try our Herb-Roasted Nuts for extra flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s totally normal to have questions about the best foods to eat before a workout! Below are a few of the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, drop your question in the comment section and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
How long before my workout should I eat?
It’s generally recommended to eat a snack containing carbs and protein 30 minutes to 2 hours before your workout. Eating too close to your workout might cause discomfort, while eating too far in advance might leave you feeling lethargic and hungry during your session.
Can I eat a full meal before a workout?
It’s not usually recommended to eat a large meal right before working out, as it can lead to discomfort. However, if you have a larger meal planned, aim to eat it 2 to 3 hours before exercising.
What can I eat quickly before going to the gym?
You won’t always have time to sit down and make a balanced meal before your workout. Maybe you weren’t able to get your normal meal-prepping done this week. The good news is that doesn’t mean that you have to completely skip a pre–workout meal or grab something you might regret from a convenience store or drive-thru. Instead, try to keep a few things on hand that are easy to put together or grab when you are in a hurry. It’s time to break the cycle of grabbing junk just because you’re in a hurry. Many stores are beginning to stock healthier options, and it’s now up to you to look for them.
A few of our favorite on-the-go pre-workout snacks and meals include:
- Protein Shakes
- Smoothies
- Whole Grain Crackers with Low-Fat Cheese
- Granola Bar (without added sugars) or No-Bake Workout Bars
- Fresh Fruit (bananas, apple, pear, or grapes)
- Greek Yogurt
Related: 9 Workout Snacks for Quick Energy
Should I eat before an intense workout?
Some people don’t like to eat a lot before a high-intensity workout. That said, you want to ensure that your body has a good source of fuel that can be easily digested and give you the boost you need to power through. You want to look for something that contains mainly complex carbohydrates, is moderate in protein, and low in fats and unnecessary sugars. You aren’t looking for quick energy here but rather a fuel that will help your body to work at optimal efficiency over an extended period of time.
Related: 5 Snacks that Will Give You More Energy than Coffee
Should I avoid dietary fats before my workout?
While it’s best to avoid heavy, high-fat meals right before exercising since they can lead to discomfort, some healthy fats, like those found in nuts or avocados, can be included in moderation.
Should I adjust my pre-workout snack based on the type of exercise I’m doing?
Yes, definitely! The type and intensity of your workout may influence your pre-workout snack choice. For endurance activities like running long distances, you may want a snack higher in carbs for sustained energy. For strength training or yoga routines, you may consider prioritizing protein with a side of carbs for muscle repair and growth.
More Pre-Workout Snack Options!
Exercise is an integral part of living a healthy lifestyle, but to get the most out of each sweat session, it’s also important to fuel your body properly. Planning out your pre-workout meal and keeping a steady level of hydration will help your body to utilize each workout towards actually building up muscle and not just depleting you of energy.
Keeping a consistent workout and nutrition routine can also help you to build up your glycogen stores which keep your blood sugar at a stable level instead of constantly moving from high to low. By eating properly before and after your workout, you not only fuel your body to get the most out of your workout, but you also build it up to lower your risks of things such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and other common health problems.
If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut when it comes to finding healthy foods that you like to enjoy as a pre or postworkout snack, we have you covered! Look into a few of our articles below, there are so many great options, we know that you will find some that you love!
If you are just beginning your health and fitness lifestyle journey, you can also check out this article on the Beginner’s Guide to Getting Fit! There is no wrong time to start taking your life back and working towards new goals!
- No-Bake Lemon Turmeric Energy Bites
- Banana Coconut Energy Bars
- No-Bake Almond Cranberry Energy Balls
- Superfood Chia Energy Bites
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Quinoa Protein Bars (pictured above)
Need Some Healthy Meal Prep Ideas?
Choosing the best pre-workout snacks will help you get the most out of your workout, but in order to get the most out of your effort, you need to pair awesome workouts with a healthy diet. Here are some great and healthy meal prep recipes to keep you on track to your goals:
- Citrus Salmon Tray Bake
- Slow Cooker Everything Chicken
- Shrimp Taco Bowls
- Simple One Pan Lemon Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
- One-Pan Broccoli, Sweet Potato, and Chicken Dinner
Need a Fresh Fitness Routine?
We’ve talked a lot about the perfect pre-workout snack and healthy meal prep options, but does your fitness routine need a refresh? If so, we’ve got plenty of workout plans for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Ultimate 7-Day Workout Plan for Beginners
- 30-Day Walk Off the Pounds Challenge
- 6-Week Bodyweight Workout Plan: Your Guide to a Slim & Sexy Body
- 21-Day Fitness Ab Challenge for Total Body Toning
- Slim Down with the 6-Week Walk/Run Plan
We hope you’ve gained some valuable insight into the best pre-workout snacks. What’s your favorite thing to eat before hitting the gym? Let us know in the comment section below. Before you go, you might also like to check out The Best Post-Workout Recipes For Weight Loss. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest so you never miss out on great SkinnyMs. content!
