10 Of The Best Foods To Eat Before A Gym Workout
Protein World nutritionist Hannah Pendlebury selects the best foods you can eat before a workout at the gym
Speed up your performance and recovery by paying attention to the best foods and supplements during your pre-workout nutrition window.
Eating before a workout helps prevent low blood sugar, which can lead to light headedness and fatigue. That said, you don’t want to gunk up your insides before heading to the gym by eating greasy and sugary foods that add more to your waistline, which in turn may hinder your performance goals.
Eat a hefty meal before your workout and it’ll still be in your stomach on that heavy set of squats – and you’ll know about it.
Depending on the size and type of your meal your best bet is to eat 1-2 hours before your training session or snack 30-60 minutes before. The nutrients will be readily available to fuel your workout and you will have a head start on the post-workout recovery process.
Everyone is different however, so you should experiment prior to workouts to determine what works best for you. It’s best to have a pre-workout meal that is relatively low in fat, moderate in protein and moderate to high in low fibre carbs. This is because fat takes the longest to digest, followed by protein, then carbohydrates.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. Our articles and the products featured in them are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. Always speak with a certified medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet, exercise routine, and/or taking any supplements.
Five of the best foods to eat 1-2 hours before your workout
1) Oats
These are packed with fibre, which facilitates a steady release of carbohydrates into your bloodstream, keeping your energy levels consistent during your workout. Oats also contain B vitamins which helps convert carbohydrates into energy. Consume 50g of rolled or steel cut oats one hour before your workout.
2) Fruit smoothie
These are a great pre workout snack. Fruit smoothies contain high quality protein, can be rapidly digested and have the key combination of simple and complex carbs. The carbs from the fruit will break down quickly and the protein is used later to help prevent muscle breakdown. You can check out this nutrient packed kiwi smoothie here.
3) Protein pancake
These are packed full of slow digesting carbs, fibre, and a hefty dose of protein, making them the perfect energy boosting pre workout meal. Add berries and a dollop of greek yoghurt. Consume 1-2 hours before hitting the gym. Have a look at the recipe here.
4) Wholegrain bread
A slice of wholegrain bread is a great source of carbohydrates and fibre, providing slow release, sustained energy throughout your workout. Add some honey or jam for that fast acting energy boost or eggs for high quality protein. A perfect way to fuel your workout from start to finish. Consume around 45 minutes pre workout.
5) Chicken and rice
If you’re working out after lunch or dinner you want something that will sit well on your stomach, providing a good amount of useable energy and protein, with minimal fat. The carbohydrates in rice help sustain energy production while chicken provides a rich source of protein which enhances muscle repair. You can substitute the rice for sweet potato or quinoa. Consume two hours before working out.
Five of the best foods to eat 30-60 minutes before your workout
1) Bananas
These are nature’s ‘power bar’. They are loaded with digestible carbohydrates that will provide you with useable fuel for a workout and are packed with potassium which aids in maintaining nerve and muscle function. Eat 30 minutes before your workout.
2) Apple and peanut butter
Besides boasting a healthy supply of protein, peanut butter is extremely rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamin E and potassium. Apples are easily digestible and fill up your glycogen stores to provide a quick burst of energy. Consume this palate-pleasing duo 30 minutes before your workout. Just slice an apple and dip in a tablespoon or two of organic or natural peanut butter.
3) Protein shake with added carbs/BCAA
Consuming whey protein, specifically branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), will help fuel your muscles and increases amino acid delivery and uptake by the muscle during training. Providing BCAAs to the muscles will prevent the need for your body to catabolize the muscle itself. Taking protein (specifically BCAA) prior training also increases calorie burning which is great for those that are looking to lose body fat. Add in some oats or a banana for the extra energy kick. Consume 30 minutes before your workout.
4) Caffeine
It’s one of the most popular stimulants on the planet. Add 1-2 tsp of coffee 15-30 minutes before working out or add to your shake. A great mocha protein shake recipe can be found here.
5) Dried fruit and berries
This is a great option if you only have a few minutes before your workout. The simple carbs from the dried fruit will provide you with an instant energy boost without weighing you down, while the berries fight oxidative stress during a workout thanks to their high ORAC value. Consume quarter of a cup of fresh berries, dried pineapple and apricots 15 mins before your workout.
