Exercising without eating could be a big mistake, leaving you without the energy to finish your workout. On the other hand, exercising too close to your last meal might land you in trouble too. You don’t want to be struggling to keep your food down as you push through your workout. And it’s not just the timing of your food that matters when you’re working out. What you eat makes a difference too, so it can help to have some good snacks on hand. They can give you the energy boost that you need before a workout without filling you up too much. Try some of these healthy snacks to fuel your exercise.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are great sources of different vitamins and minerals, as well as essential fatty acids. They’re generally quite light to eat, so they won’t make you feel really full, but they can give you the energy that you need. You can try seeds such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or poppy seeds. Seeds and nuts can be eaten on their own, but you can also sprinkle them over things for extra flavour. Just remember to choose unsalted products and avoid eating too many nuts or seeds that are high in fat.
Juices, Smoothies, and Shakes
Sometimes you might choose to drink your snack instead of eating it. Juices, smoothies, and protein shakes can give you the nutrients and the energy that you need for your workout. Juices and smoothies can contain all kinds of things, and you can experiment with what you like. Try using fruits, vegetables, yoghurt, seeds, and even leafy greens to make your drinks. Protein shakes can be a great option too, especially if your goal for your workouts is to gain more muscle and get stronger.
Fruit and Veggies
Eating fruits and vegetables can be a good idea if you’re looking for a light snack. They’re not too heavy, so you can munch on them not long before a workout and still feel ready to go. There are plenty of things that you might enjoy, and you can have your pick of fruit and veggies. Whether you have an apple or some celery sticks, it can give you a small energy boost without being too calorific. If you want to add something else, you can also try having things like peanut butter, raisins, hummus, or cheese with your fruit and veggies too.
Oats, Cereals, and Grains
Oats and grains can give you lots of fibre, and they can be great for slow-release energy. If you’re having a bowl of porridge, you probably don’t want to jump straight into your workout right away. However, it can keep you going for longer so that you feel ready to exercise later in the day. You can also have healthy cereals, granola, and muesli, or you might like to have an exercise bar or cereal bar before your workout.
If you’re not a fan of snacking before a workout, eating after a workout can work for you too, helping to replenish your energy levels.
