Snacks are better than nothing when it comes to food before training. You need to have something, because training on an empty stomach is the sure-fire way to lose energy and drop the strength in your exercises.
The gym is meant to be hard work. Don’t make it harder for yourself.
What are the ideal foods to have before you start your workout programme?
Carbohydrates and Fats
Energy to contend with your work out is vital. Bootcamps, high intensity classes, functional training and cardio are designed to rip through the calories, taking off the weight. Use carbs and fats to give you the sustenance needed to maximise the effort and activity you’re putting into your sessions.
Try to avoid fast acting carbohydrates and unsaturated fats. Forgo the dreaded sugary treats, breads and potato-based carbs in favour of oats, sweet potato fries, integral rice, wheat pastas and grains. Ideally, you’ll couple these up with some good proteins and fats.
More on Sugar…
Carbohydrates that deliver a ton of sugar raise your blood’s glucose, making it harder for your muscle to burn off fat. But by god they taste so good – and your body may even crave them… So what are some quality alternatives that deliver on the flavour without falling foul of the health police?
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Get some high-quality crunchy nut butter that gives you that excellent blend of fat and protein without using too much oil. Spread on apple slices for a surprisingly delicious blend of tart, sharp fruit and rich goodness.
- Oatmeal with Cinnamon
Perfect for long stretch cardio workouts – make this tasty porridge with half a cup of oatmeal, a little milk and add some nuts or banana slices for a bit more taste.
Oatmeal is a famous slow release carbohydrate that gives you energy throughout the day. Full of quality vitamins including magnesium – which is great for building muscle… You’ll be able to get all the components from this meal for a great boost of energy throughout your workout.
- Rye Bread with Whole Rye Kernels and Avocado
Smash up some avocado on rye bread for flavour and fat. The naturally occurring nutty flavoured fats in the avocado are better than butter and with a little garlic or chilli powder you can power up the taste. It’s quick, easy to do and gives you a super energy ally when you’re out on the move.
- Energy bites
Mix up one cup of natural peanut butter with a cup full of quarter coconut flour and three quarters almond flour, quarter of a cup of oatmeal, cocoa powder and dates. Mix it all up and fashion into small balls and store in the fridge. Women looking for energy should try 2 before a workout and men should go for 3 to 4.
- Green smoothies
Go for 2 cups of spinach, 1 cup of vegetable milk, 2 frozen bananas and half an avocado. Whack the lot into a food processor or nutri-bullet and whizz away till it’s a nice smooth liquid. If you like you can even prepare it the night before hand.
Happy Training…
And if you want the very best training schedule that combines many a healthy diet and nutritional advice with functional training, cardio and weight through our 4 pillar MSMS program – then why not get in touch with EMS Fitness and find out how we can help you meet your fitness and weight loss goals.