7 best pre-workout snacks that are delicious, healthy, and easy to make.
Table of Contents
Workouts are tough, and you want to feel fresh and ready for them. Food plays an important factor in that, from the acidity to the healthiness of the meal. For longer workouts, you should eat more protein and fuller foods, but if it’s a short run or workout then a light pre-workout snack is fine. These snacks are on the lighter side, but if you guys want a second part with some heavier pre-workout snack ideas, let me know! These are great ideas to eat before a workout, to fuel your body.
Do I need a pre-workout snack?
Well, if you’re going on a workout in the evening maybe not if you have already eaten before. But it’s always good to fuel your body, so you don’t feel light-headed and you’re treating your body well. In the morning if I don’t eat something before my run, I feel nauseous and not my best. The good thing about these pre-workout snacks is that they don’t make you bloat much, and you don’t have to eat them all in one go.
Morning vs. Evening
Like I said above if you’re working out in the morning I highly recommend eating something before. Wake up earlier so you have appropriate time between eating and working out. Some people go in the evenings because it fits their schedule, and their body is less stiff. Each to their own, so you know what foods at what time upset your stomach. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! Some of these foods will be good for some, while others prefer different ones.
What to eat before a workout?
Here are 7 different pre-workout snack ideas! Let me know in the comments, what you guys think, enjoy.
Overnight Oats
If you’re a fan of oats but don’t want to make them every morning or wait for them to cool, you’re in luck! It’s also amazing for summer if you don’t want to eat something hot, while it’s even hotter outside.
Overnight oats are perfect for all these scenarios, and an amazing pre-workout snack candidate. It’s simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. You can make these at the start of the week or the night before.
Here are the basics of Overnight Oats:
- rolled oats
- chia seeds
- milk
- yogurt
- maple syrup
But if you would like to change things up, here are some recipes by other great creators!
- 6 Different Overnight Oats Variations by Downshiftology
- 10+ Flavors by Chocolate Covered Katie
- 8 Overnight Oats Recipe by fitfoodiefinds
Cold sandwich
These are perfectly filling especially if you’re going right after work, or if you have a long drive. The good thing about cold sandwiches is that they don’t get soggy fast, so you can always eat half after the gym. There are always cold sandwiches in your local stores, and you stock up on your favorites. Or learn how to make them, and lose some of the processed food!
Here are some recipes to make your own!
Parfait/yogurt bowl
I love parfaits for a pre-workout snack. I don’t know if it’s the put-together and “it” girl feeling it gives me, or the deliciousness. Overall, they are a 10/10, with their many layers(like an onion), of yummy healthy goodness. They’re a good source of protein and easy to make at home overnight for a healthier version. However, if you want to buy them ahead of time you certainly can at your local cafe or grocery store. But if you want to prep them ahead of time, here are some recipes!
- Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits by FoodNetwork
- Make-Ahead Simple Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits by Simple Sissom
- Easy Yogurt & Fruit Granola Parfaits
Fruits
The night before, you can decide what fruit you’ll have for your next day’s pre-workout snack. You can store them in zip locks or Tupperware, and some examples of fruit are:
- oranges (what I normally eat before my run !)
- apples
- grapes
- bananas
- cherries
- strawberries
Nuts and raisins
If you’re looking for something small, you can always grab a handful of nuts you like such as:
- walnuts
- almonds
- cashews
- salted peanuts
- pecans
You can also add raisins, dates, sunflower seeds, etc and it can be great to snack on the way.
Chia pudding
This is an all-time fave, and I’ve raved about it in my post on healthy snacks before. Here are some different flavors so you have a new one to look forward to every time!
- 5 Different Chia Seed Pudding Flavors by Clean&Delicious
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding (Gluten-Free + Vegan) by Bakerita
- Healthy Key Lime Pie Chia Pudding by WalderWellness
It’s super easy to make, and the original chia pudding is amazing as well if you don’t want any extra hassle. The best thing about Chia Pudding is that it doesn’t taste like you’re eating something unflavorfully healthy. It’s customizable and a great snack for anyone with a sweet tooth. It also has a lot of protein which is great for a pre-workout snack.
Smoothies
If there’s one thing I love as much as Chia Pudding, it’s smoothies! I love them so much, I wrote a whole post on it and different recipes you can try!
From Banana Chocolate and Mango Protein, smoothies are delightful with and without protein powder. Here are some other recipes to check out :))
You can always change the quantity which is great if you want a more filling pre-workout snack or something to drink before and after your workout.
Conclude
I hope you guys enjoyed this post on pre-workout snacks! I know it’s hard to find the perfect thing to eat, so you fuel your body but don’t bloat as much. The last thing I want to do when I work out is to feel sluggish and weighed down.
As for my newsletter, I’ve decided to make it bimonthly. Below can sign up here for a 30-day self-growth calendar, and be part of the lazy gal circle!
Take care, till next time!
Excellent post. Some great examples of pre-workout snacks. I tend to eat a piece of fruit before working out but I try to fast exercise. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, fruit is always a great pre-workout snack!
This post truly made my day. Thanks for sharing!
glad to hear that!
This is amazing content! I love finding more easy snacks to make!
yep! glad to help.
Magnificent site. I am going to share it with many friends, they would love this post!
And certainly, thank you in your effort!
thanks for reading reina!
Fruit and a cold sandwich looks like the best snacks. Thanks for sharing!
TheQuietGirl | http://www.quietgirlblog.com
I love what you are up to. These are making me crave some smoothies!
Thank you!
This is a really useful and informative post. I have tried overnight oats before, I didn’t like them as much as I thought. Thank you for sharing your experience and suggestions.
Lauren
I’m not that big of a fan of them either, but my sister loves them!
These all look like the perfect pre-workout snack! Thanks so much for sharing them!
Great options! We tend to gravitate toward fruit.
That is true!
Ooh you’ve got some really great suggestions here! I’m actually trying to establish a good workout routine in the coming weeks so this was excellent timing. I love the idea of fruit as a pre-workout snack, although I’ve never tried chia pudding before – maybe I should! Thank you so much for sharing.