To get the most out of your workout, you’ll need a hit of energy. But not all snacks are good for you. Here we take a look at the top pre and post workout snacks to keep you fuelled up.
Bananas may just be the best natural source of energy – so they’re ideal for any sweat session. They’re packed with potassium, which is what your body loses during an intense workout. It’s best to snack on a banana around an hour before you hit the gym.
Chop one up and have it on some grainy or wheat-free toast, or with a tablespoon of natural nut butter.
Coconut water is nature’s alternative to sugary energy drinks. Skip the chemical-laden drinks and opt for a glass of this refreshing liquid – it has far less sugar than sports drinks, is easily digested, rich in potassium (to keep cramps at bay) and provides loads of energy.
After your workout, add coconut water to a green smoothie (kale, cucumber, green apple as an example) for a hit of hydration and flavour.
If you have a blender in the back of the cupboard, it’s time to dust it off and start blending! Green smoothies are all the rage in health circles – and for good reason. They’re one of the best ways to get the nutrients you need, before or after a workout.
Try berries (fresh or frozen), coconut water, natural yoghurt and chia seeds. Or go green with kale, cucumber, celery, green apple – and add coconut oil, protein powder or avocado oil for a dose of good fats.
Oats are a great workout snack, as they provide slow-releasing energy. That means you’re less likely to get fatigued part-way through exercising. Add some sliced banana or berries and you have a protein-packed, low-fat and low calorie treat.
Another quick and easy workout snack is a few dollops of Greek yoghurt, topped with natural nuts and seeds (opt for Chia seeds for a big boost of energy). Yoghurt is easily digested, so it doesn’t matter if you eat it just before pounding the pavement. Plus, nuts keep your energy stable right til the end of yoru workout. Just go easy on the nuts – half a handful should be enough.
Originally published on Dec 16, 2013
Workout Snack #1 – Banana
Bananas may just be the best natural source of energy – so they’re ideal for any sweat session. They’re packed with potassium, which is what your body loses during an intense workout. It’s best to snack on a banana around an hour before you hit the gym.
Chop one up and have it on some grainy or wheat-free toast, or with a tablespoon of natural nut butter.
Workout Snack #2 – Coconut Water
Coconut water is nature’s alternative to sugary energy drinks. Skip the chemical-laden drinks and opt for a glass of this refreshing liquid – it has far less sugar than sports drinks, is easily digested, rich in potassium (to keep cramps at bay) and provides loads of energy.
After your workout, add coconut water to a green smoothie (kale, cucumber, green apple as an example) for a hit of hydration and flavour.
Workout Snack #3 – Smoothie
If you have a blender in the back of the cupboard, it’s time to dust it off and start blending! Green smoothies are all the rage in health circles – and for good reason. They’re one of the best ways to get the nutrients you need, before or after a workout.
Try berries (fresh or frozen), coconut water, natural yoghurt and chia seeds. Or go green with kale, cucumber, celery, green apple – and add coconut oil, protein powder or avocado oil for a dose of good fats.
Workout Snack #5 – Oats
Oats are a great workout snack, as they provide slow-releasing energy. That means you’re less likely to get fatigued part-way through exercising. Add some sliced banana or berries and you have a protein-packed, low-fat and low calorie treat.
Workout Snack #6 – Yoghurt and Nuts
Another quick and easy workout snack is a few dollops of Greek yoghurt, topped with natural nuts and seeds (opt for Chia seeds for a big boost of energy). Yoghurt is easily digested, so it doesn’t matter if you eat it just before pounding the pavement. Plus, nuts keep your energy stable right til the end of yoru workout. Just go easy on the nuts – half a handful should be enough.
