Real Foods Which Can Act Like Pre-Workout Supplements
Pre-workout supplements come in handy on days when you’re low on energy or don’t feel like working out. But, let’s be honest, supplements aren’t cheap, and everyone can’t afford them.
Apart from being expensive, supplements aren’t as good for your body as compared to real food. If you don’t have the budget or the willingness to spend on supplements, you’ve come to the right place.
Apple
It’s a well-known fact that an apple can be more effective than coffee at keeping you awake. An apple is packed with a decent amount of calories and carbohydrates which can keep you going through your workouts.
The energy you get from an apple can help in stabilizing your blood sugar levels. An apple contains vitamins, minerals and a good dose of fiber which can keep you feeling full and energized for longer.
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Peanut butter has established itself in the pre-workout market and many pros rely on it as their workout energy source. While the peanut butter supplies for a healthy amount of protein, fats, and calories, the wheat sandwiches will provide with all the carbs you need.
You can make the sandwich more interesting by adding jelly to the mix. The peanut butter jelly sandwich is an easy and cheap source of pre-workout nutrition. A peanut butter sandwich is portable enough to carry with you to the gym if you’re in a rush.
Banana
If you didn’t already know, bananas are known as nature’s power bar. Banana is filled with carbohydrates and potassium, which supports nerve and muscle functioning. Whenever you get a hunger pang, we recommend you reach out for a banana instead of the bag of chips.
It’s important that you take your pre-workout meals at least an hour before your workout. Most people make the mistake of eating their pre-workout meals too close to their training session which doesn’t allow for the nutrients in the food to be utilized by the body.
Greek Yogurt With Granola
The greek yogurt is loaded with protein which can help in preventing the muscle breakdown during your workout. The added granola will add a punch of carbs to your meal which will help you power through your workouts. You could add berries to the mix for the taste and carbs.
In this article, we’re not only listing out the food you can have as pre-workouts meals but are also breaking their components down. You need to make sure you’re having a complete meal with all the necessary ingredients before your training session.
DIY Energy Drink
If you’re someone who likes the energy boost pre-workout supplements gives, you’re going to love the all-natural energy drink. Make your own pre-workout supplement drink by blending water, freshly squeezed citrus juices, sea salt (sodium chloride), and honey.
The result will be your own carb and electrolyte-rich blend which can easily taste better than those tangy pre-workout drinks. You can also grab one of the above-mentioned food to eat along with your energy drink.
Header image courtesy of Envato Elements
What do you have for pre-workout nutrition?
Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.