What you eat pre and post workout and make all the difference in how you maximize your workout, as well as nurturing the body after your workout. Two important keys to a great workout are hydration and nutrition. You want to hydrate before, during, and after a workout, as well as consume nutritious smoothies, foods, and snacks.
Pre-workout foods are crucial to boosting energy, while post-workout foods replenish the body and help ward off muscle soreness. Pre and post workout foods can be easy meals that take no time to prepare and make. Here I will offer plant-based snack options for your pre and post workout needs.
Pre-workout
Eating carbohydrates before a workout breaks down into glucose, which provides the body with energy.
Bananas
If you didn’t know; bananas are known as nature’s energy bar. Bananas support the nerve and muscle function from its carbohydrate and potassium content. Try pairing banana with
almond butter. Another great option is to spread almond butter on whole grain bread and top with banana.
Oatmeal and Fruit
Contains vitamin B, which helps convert carbohydrates into energy. Oats digest carbs slowly, which gives you consistent energy throughout your workout from. Dried fruit is a great pre-workout snack is perfect when you are on the go.
Smoothies and Juice
Beet Juice is a great pre-workout drink. Beet juice regulates blood pressure, dilate the blood vessels, and delivers blood to the muscles when working out.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are packed omega- fats, protein, and antioxidants giving the body sustainable fuel. Eat chia pudding or enjoy your chia seeds in a smoothie or topped on almond butter and banana toast.
Salads
Salads are also a great pre-workout meal. Tabbouleh salad is a
delicious super green that is high in iron, manganese, vitamin C and A. The parsley and lemon are great natural detoxifiers.
Post-workout
Post-workout foods are just as important as pre-workout foods. After a workout, you want to consume foods that refuel and recover the body. A combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats are all great sources for a post-workout meal.
Protein is most important for the body after a workout because it functions as a building block for the bones and muscles. Protein aids in muscle recovery boosts metabolism and increases fat burning. There are many different healthy snacks and meals to eat after a workout that will provide the body with the nutrients it needs to repair and refuel.
Master Green
The Master Green is a cold pressed juice that is full of aminos and great for refueling the body after a workout. It contains cucumber, romaine, cabbage, kale, collard greens, dandelion, ginger, lemon, and spirulina. Green juice also
replaces potassium and sodium lost during a workout.
Coconut Water
Coconut water contains vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, and water. It’s the perfect drink to keep the body hydrated and refueled after a workout.
Avocado
Avocado is great for muscle repair. You can slice it on toast, make guacamole, or put it on salad.
Apples and Almond Butter
This yummy duo boosts energy and provides the body with protein.
There are many pre and post workout meal options to choose from that are quick, easy, and delicious. Try different meals to see what works for you and your body. Just make sure you are keeping the body hydrated and full of nutrients.
Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.
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