WHEN IT COMES to fueling up for a gym session, snack time matters. To get the most out of your workouts, you’ll want to reach for something satisfying and energizing.
“The closer you get to a workout, the more you want to focus on quick-digestion (sources) to avoid cramping,” said Derek Lipton, R.D. Simple carbs might be your best bet, since protein, fat, and fiber all take more than an hour to pass through the stomach. If it’s more than an hour away from the time you’re starting your workout, Lipton says you can include some protein to help stabilize energy release, and maybe even a little fat if you can tolerate it, “but higher-fat and fiber foods should be eaten at least three hours before a workout.”
Exactly what you should eat will depend on how your body responds to different foods, says Jordyn Wallerius, R.D.N. “For example, while some pre-workout meals that include sweet potato and whole-grain bread with veggies will work well for some people, others may require a few extra grams of protein,” she says. “Some people may have good responses with low-fat milk, while others may need whole milk.”
Need some inspiration? Here are a few pre-workout snack options depending on how far ahead of your workout you’re fueling.
