It’s not a good idea to work out on an empty stomach, but what should you eat for the most benefit? These are the best foods to eat before exercising.
Most people understand that a good diet is a crucial part of a healthier lifestyle and a better workout, but many have a hard time determining what foods to eat. You want foods that will improve your performance and fuel your body without making you feel sick just as you get into your routine. Luckily, we can offer some guidance to help you eat right and make progress towards your goals. Let’s talk about the best foods to eat before exercising.
Bananas
Nature’s natural energy bar, bananas are rich in carbohydrates and potassium, which encourage improved muscle and nerve function. Not only does this make you perform better during your routine, but the support for your nerve functions will help you deal with stress. Carbs—which fuel our bodies and provide minimal negative impact—make up 90% of the banana’s calories. For this reason, you’ll find bananas to be one of the best foods to eat before exercising.
Coffee
Coffee might feel like cheating your diet, but it turns out that caffeine has benefits well-suited for exercising and losing weight. The most obvious benefit is that the caffeine in your coffee will make you feel more awake and energized, but that’s a bonus compared to the other boons. So go ahead, have that cup of coffee before your morning workout.
Oats
Chock-full of fiber, oats release carbohydrates slowly, keeping your energy levels consistent throughout your workout and allowing you to train harder for longer. Oats also include vitamin B, which promotes the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. Of the oats available, many consider Irish oats to be the best because they go through the least processing.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great way to get your fill of protein—it has double the protein you’d find in standard yogurt with fewer carbs and half the sodium. It pairs well with fruits, which contain sugars and carbohydrates that dissolve quickly into energy. At the same time, the protein from the Greek yogurt helps to prevent muscle damage, allowing you to go hard when you exercise.