Two prerequisites of a good workout are a steady stomach and availability of ample energy to the body. However it has been observed that people have a tendency to skip meals before a workout for either lack of time or lack of knowledge. After reading this article you will be left with no more doubts about what to eat before your workout. The tummy friendly recipes enumerated below are ideally protein laden and easy to prepare.
1. Wheat bagel with jam:
Whole wheat bagel with jam contains both, simple and complex carbs so that this goes easy on gastrointestinal tract. Simple carbohydrates burn faster than complex ones and a mix of both is ideal to fuel a workout from start to finish.
2. Protein shake with added carbohydrates:
A good way to benefit from protein and at the same time stay energized with carbohydrates is a protein shake. It is also an easy on-the-go snack. It is advised to prepare a shake with juice and water and avoid milk as it may cause mucous. Thereafter you can add a banana or oats to load it with carbohydrates.
3. Natural Oatmeal(not sweetened):
Oatmeal is great for morning workouts when you run on empty and cannot have a meal 1-2 hours before you workout. It gets on with the system pretty well and quickly too. Added fruit will get into bloodstream even more quickly and give you the desired energy.
4. Greek yogurt:
This type of yogurt contains less sugar when compared to others plus more protein and carbohydrates. It goes down easy and is also ideal before intense workouts that induce tummy trouble after having a heavy meal. You can throw in honey or fruit for some more kick.
5. Brown rice with chicken:
Another good option for those who intend to exercise after a meal, a little dish of brown rice and chicken or tofu can be a great source of energy. The brown rice gives you a lot more complex carbs than its cousin, white rice. This small meal will sit well, and prep your body for action.
6. Legumes:
Beans and lentils are again a great source of protein and carbohydrates, an excellent slow release energy source. It is therefore ideal for workouts beginning after 1-2 hours of a meal. It is advised not to overeat as legumes might induce flatulence due to gas inducing natural sugars called oligosaccharides and you might get noticed by others in the gym for wrong reasons!
The timing of these little meals is very important. The foods listed above can be great for a pre-workout snack, but don't over do it with them either because it may lead to discomfort. Eating them no less than 45 min before working out for a small meal is ideal. And with a larger meal, something more like 1.5-2 hours. Even with the added calories from a bigger meal, it can cause cramping, and a sluggish and lethargic feeling as well.
When there just isn't enough time for a bigger meal, even a small snack within that 45 minutes prior to exercise, it is still a wise choice to at least have a small snack.
1. Wheat bagel with jam:
Whole wheat bagel with jam contains both, simple and complex carbs so that this goes easy on gastrointestinal tract. Simple carbohydrates burn faster than complex ones and a mix of both is ideal to fuel a workout from start to finish.
2. Protein shake with added carbohydrates:
A good way to benefit from protein and at the same time stay energized with carbohydrates is a protein shake. It is also an easy on-the-go snack. It is advised to prepare a shake with juice and water and avoid milk as it may cause mucous. Thereafter you can add a banana or oats to load it with carbohydrates.
3. Natural Oatmeal(not sweetened):
Oatmeal is great for morning workouts when you run on empty and cannot have a meal 1-2 hours before you workout. It gets on with the system pretty well and quickly too. Added fruit will get into bloodstream even more quickly and give you the desired energy.
4. Greek yogurt:
This type of yogurt contains less sugar when compared to others plus more protein and carbohydrates. It goes down easy and is also ideal before intense workouts that induce tummy trouble after having a heavy meal. You can throw in honey or fruit for some more kick.
5. Brown rice with chicken:
Another good option for those who intend to exercise after a meal, a little dish of brown rice and chicken or tofu can be a great source of energy. The brown rice gives you a lot more complex carbs than its cousin, white rice. This small meal will sit well, and prep your body for action.
6. Legumes:
Beans and lentils are again a great source of protein and carbohydrates, an excellent slow release energy source. It is therefore ideal for workouts beginning after 1-2 hours of a meal. It is advised not to overeat as legumes might induce flatulence due to gas inducing natural sugars called oligosaccharides and you might get noticed by others in the gym for wrong reasons!
The timing of these little meals is very important. The foods listed above can be great for a pre-workout snack, but don't over do it with them either because it may lead to discomfort. Eating them no less than 45 min before working out for a small meal is ideal. And with a larger meal, something more like 1.5-2 hours. Even with the added calories from a bigger meal, it can cause cramping, and a sluggish and lethargic feeling as well.
When there just isn't enough time for a bigger meal, even a small snack within that 45 minutes prior to exercise, it is still a wise choice to at least have a small snack.
About the Author:
Mark is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast. He has a passion for staying healthy, and knowing what he's putting into his body. He's also a big fan of pre-workout supplements and does in-depth reviews of many of them. For more pre-workout tips and in-depth reviews of pre-workout supplements, stop by his site today. Thanks for reading!