The Best Pre-Workout Foods & Supplements
There are lots of pre-workout solutions on the market today, and most of them are extremely unnatural. Despite what the marketing tells you, your body doesn’t need a bunch of sugar and chemicals to get ready for a workout. In fact, all it really needs is some good old-fashioned food. Here are the best natural pre-workout foods and supplements for your body:
1. Bananas
Bananas are often touted as the perfect pre-workout snack, and for good reason. They are an excellent source of energy, thanks to their high carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are essential for exercising, as they help to fuel the muscles.
Bananas also contain a hefty amount of potassium, which is critical for maintaining fluid balance in your body. During exercise, the body loses fluids through sweating, and potassium helps to replace these lost fluids.
In addition, bananas contain vitamin B6, which helps the body to convert carbohydrates into energy.
If you have a protein powder or smoothie concoction that you like to drink before working out, consider adding a banana to it (if you don't already). The extra carbohydrates and nutrients will give you the energy you need to power through your workout.
2. Beet Juice
When it comes to working out, we all want to have the energy to push ourselves and get the most out of our time at the gym. And while there are a lot of different drinks that claim to give you an extra boost, one that you may not have considered is beet juice.
Beets are a great source of nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning that it helps to expand blood vessels and improve blood flow. This increased blood flow can lead to increased energy levels, making it the perfect drink to have before a workout.
If you don't want to drink beet juice, you could also throw some beets into a smoothie, mix them into a salad, or eat them roasted as a pre-workout snack.
3. Sea Moss
Sea moss is known for its many health benefits, but did you know that it can also improve your athletic performance?
Sea moss is a type of seaweed that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for proper thyroid function, which plays a role in regulating metabolism.
Iron, in particular, is great at boosting energy levels and preventing fatigue. Especially if you are not a meat-eater, sea moss is a great way to get your iron fix.
You can add sea moss to smoothies, ideally with a few other things on this list for an added boost.
4. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a popular food choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. And for good reason - it provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, which can help to support muscle growth and repair. Peanut butter is also a good source of carbohydrates, which can give you a much-needed energy boost before a workout.
In addition, the fat content in peanut butter can help to slow down the release of energy, meaning that you'll have sustained energy levels throughout your workout. Dip some sliced apples into peanut butter or spread it on a piece of wheat toast for a pre-workout snack that will give you the energy you need to power through your workout. Or, add it to a smoothie or açaí bowl for a delicious and hydrating treat.
If you can’t tolerate peanut butter, almond butter is a fantastic substitute!
5. Oats
Oats are a popular choice for breakfast, but they can also make a great pre-workout snack. Like peanut butter, oats are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. The carbohydrates in oats are slowly released into the bloodstream, providing you with sustained energy levels throughout your workout.
It's a little-known fact that oats contain beta-glucans, which are a type of soluble fiber. Beta-glucans have been shown to improve immune function and reduce inflammation.
The best thing about oats is that they can be prepared in several ways. Overnight oats are a great option if you're short on time in the morning. Simply add some oats, milk, and your favorite toppings to a jar the night before and let them sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, grab your oats and head out the door.
You can also prepare yourself a bowl of oatmeal with some fruit and nuts, or make a batch of oatmeal cookies to have as a pre-workout snack.
6. French Squirrel Bateaux
French Squirrel Bateaux are some of our favorite pre-workout snacks because they are nutrient-dense. The Bateaux are made with pure organic cacao, organic medjool dates, and organic almond butter...making this a powerful punch of energy. The almond butter also helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Additionally, all of their products are free from artificial ingredients, preservatives, and added sugars. French Squirrel Bateaux's snacks are the perfect way to fuel your body before a workout.
7. Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a type of fungus that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and recent studies have shown that it can have powerful effects on athletic performance.
Cordyceps supplements have been shown to improve VO2 max (a measure of aerobic fitness), as well as increase time to exhaustion and power output. In addition, cordyceps can help reduce inflammation and improve recovery after exercise.
Since cordyceps supplements come in powder form, they make an excellent addition to coffee, smoothies, fruit bowls, oatmeal, or yogurt. Simply add the desired amount of cordyceps powder to your favorite pre-workout food or drink and enjoy the benefits.
These are just a few of the best natural pre-workout foods and supplements that you can use to fuel your body. Remember, what you put into your body is just as important as the actual exercise. So make sure to choose foods that will give you sustained energy and help you reach your fitness goals.
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