Best Foods To Eat Before Working Out

     It is a very common recommendation to consume a quality amount of protein before a workout. But, what about fats and carbohydrates? Finding a balance between these three macronutrients is vital to feeling your best before moving your body. Here are the best foods to eat before working out. 

1.) Toast with avocado, topped with cottage cheese. This simple snack is the perfect balance between protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Choosing any bread of choice, (Ezekiel bread is a great choice if you are avoiding gluten and also contains a higher amount of protein). Cottage cheese is not only high in protein, but also very dense in healthy fats for sustainable long lasting energy. Especially paired with the sweet balance of avocado that is a rather distinctive fruit as it is high in healthy monounsaturated fats. Avocados are one of the nutrient-dense super foods that have numerous health benefits – ranging from promotion of heart health by providing antioxidants. This pair is the perfect balance of energy and nutrition. 

2.) A banana with peanut butter is an excellent source of quality nutrition before a workout. One tip is to actually mix the peanut butter with protein powder. Peanut butter is very high in quality fats, but not super high in protein. So, to boost your protein consumption, mix with protein powder for additional nutrition to sustain your body for longer periods of time. Bananas are high in potassium and carbohydrates which supports your nerve and muscle function. 

3.) Fruit with greek yogurt and granola is another killer combination for a pre-workout meal. Greek yogurt is very high in protein, while fruit is an excellent source of carbohydrates that actually break down very easily in the body during a workout. You are also feeding your cells in the body healthy carbohydrates which quickly converts into energy without having to pull from other energy stores within the body. Granola is another great source of carbohydrates and protein (depending on the brand). Again, if gluten is something you are avoiding, there are many granola brands on the market that are more nuts and seeds based, adding an extra punch of nutrition without the addition of gluten. 

Try at least one of these simple yet extremely effective combinations before your next workout to see how your performance and energy improves! Nutrition is key and balance is vital. Find what works best for you and make it your own!