Working out is never easy, especially when you don’t know what to eat before your workout. Exercise requires energy and focus—which means that the food you eat can make or break your performance. Plus, researchers revealed that by having food before a workout, your body will burn carbs at a faster rate during exercise, which ultimately helps you get more out of your workout.
However, eating the wrong things can leave you feeling sluggish, while eating the right foods can give you the energy and motivation to push yourself further. So, what should you be eating? Read on to find out!
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for athletes. The best carbohydrates to eat before a workout are those that provide sustained energy over time and don’t cause a blood sugar spike.
This means it is best to avoid sugary snacks like candy bars or cookies and instead opt for complex carbs such as oatmeal, whole grain bread or cereals, or sweet potatoes. Complex carbs will provide long-lasting energy without spiking your blood sugar levels, which means you won’t experience a crash mid-workout.
Protein
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair after exercise. Eating protein before your workout helps build up muscle so that it can handle the strain of exercise more easily.
Good sources of pre-workout protein include eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, tuna fish, chicken breast, nuts, and seeds, or whey protein shakes.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are another essential component of any pre-workout meal because they help slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and help keep you feeling full longer during your workout session.
Healthy fats come from sources like avocados, olive oil, nut butters (like peanut butter), nuts (like almonds), or fatty fish (like salmon). Try to avoid saturated fats, like those found in processed meats, which can cause a spike in cholesterol levels, such as bacon and sausage.
Fluids
Staying hydrated is key when exercising—it helps fuel muscle contractions and also helps regulate body temperature during physical activity.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day leading up to your workout and drink at least 8 ounces of water 30 minutes before beginning exercise.
You may also want to consider drinking electrolyte beverages like coconut water or sports drinks if you’re doing an intense workout lasting longer than 60 minutes in order to replenish lost electrolytes from sweat.
Conclusion
Knowing what to eat before a workout isn’t always easy—but it doesn’t have to be hard either! By focusing on complex carbohydrates for sustained energy; proteins for muscle growth; healthy fats for digestion; and fluids for hydration—you will be well-prepared for whatever type of exercise session comes your way!
Eating right can make all the difference when it comes to pushing yourself further in your workout routine — so don’t overlook this crucial step in getting better results!