Starting out on a health and wellness journey can be tough.  Let’s face it what to eat, when, and how much can all be a little confusing. 

Food is fuel and what you do eat is just as important as what you don’t eat.

Carbs = energy. When we eat them, they break down into glucose, enter our muscle cells, and give us fuel to exercise.

Since they are digested quickly and provide energy, it is a good idea to eat simple carbohydrates before a workout.

The ideal time to eat is between 30 minutes to three hours before your workout.

Here are a few examples of my favorites pre-workout snacks.

Avocado, Eggs, and toast

Try 1 or 2 eggs with 1 slice of whole-wheat toast and half of an avocado, sprinkle with a little bit of salt and pepper.

PB & B toast

1-2 tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter and half a sliced banana on whole-wheat toast

Apple with Peanut Butter

Slice up 1 medium apple and serve with 2 tablespoons peanut butter.

Apple with String Cheese

Don’t have time to fuss around in the kitchen?  Well here is a quick grab and go snack.  2 stick part-skim milk mozzarella string cheese and a medium apple.

Clementines and Almonds

Another quick grab and go snack: 2 small clementines and a hand full of almonds.

Eggs and toast

Try 1 or 2 eggs with 1 slice of whole-wheat toast or thin bagel and half of a banana.

 Fruit smoothie

One scoop of your favorite whey protein powder with ½ cup ice, and 1 cup frozen berries.

My favorite protein powder is the Trader Joe’s Darwin’s Whey Chocolate Protein Powder, yum!

Yogurt parfait

Top 1/4 cup nonfat yogurt with ½ cup whole grain cereal and ½ cup fresh strawberries.

Fruit and Oatmeal

My favorite thing to eat pre workout is 1/2 cup of rolled oats with half a banana two cut up strawberries and 2 tsp of chia seeds.

Energy Bites

Notice a pattern?  Carbohydrate paired with protein.  Now get up and get your workout in!

Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different and will have its own specific needs and preferences.  Find what works for you and what you like.

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