We all know that food can greatly affect the work you do in the gym, especially when consumed right before going to and right after leaving the gym. Eating too much or too little before working out could make your exercising much less enjoyable, and doing the same after hitting the gym could ruin all of the great work you’ve done! Kellie Davis at Greatist has compiled a list of 50 foods that won’t wreck your workout, a few of which are featured here.
Pre-Workout
For those of us who prefer to work out in the morning, fruit with yogurt or granola is always a great choice. Smoothies are a fun alternative too, such as the “fruitsation shake,” made by blending together whey protein, ice, and frozen berries. If you need a caffeine boost but don’t want to drink hot coffee before hitting the treadmill, consider what Davis calls the “Star-buffs shake” and blend one cup of iced coffee with a scoop of chocolate whey protein for an icy pick-me-up! (I’m sure vanilla whey protein would be just as tasty.)
Davis also provides quick lunchtime options, such as a palm-sized portion each of chicken and sweet potatoes. One of my personal favorites is what she calls “Turk-cado pasta,” which combines a palm-sized portion of roasted turkey with about half of an avocado and a half-cup of whole wheat pasta. This dish is even great when served cold, so it’s a great option for taking to school or the office.
Post-Workout
If you’re like me, you’re guilty of grabbing any snack within reach when you get home from the gym! Luckily, most of the foods that Davis lists can be prepared beforehand, so those “snacks at hand” will be healthy. My favorite is the chunky monkey shake, because it tastes like my favorite ice cream with way less fat — simply blend one banana, one tablespoon of peanut butter, and one cup of low-fat chocolate milk with ice. So yummy!
What are your favorite foods to eat before and after working out?
