It’s crucial to have a pre-workout meal that will give you the energy you need to make it through your workout. Lots of beginner athletes make the mistake of eating unhealthy foods before they work out, which can actually hinder their progress. Let’s check the best pre-workout meal for weight loss that is nutritious and easy to cook.
Contents
Should I Eat Before Workout?
Before we get to the pre-workout recipes, let’s answer the question: should I eat before working out? The answer is YES, you should! Eating a pre-workout meal helps increase your energy levels and stamina. This feature allows you to work out for longer periods of time. It also prevents your body from breaking down muscle tissue for energy, which can lead to weight gain. Thus, consider healthy pre-workout meals from delivery companies like IdealNutrition or cook easy recipes on your own.
How Much Should I Eat Before Workout?
It depends on how long your workout will be and how intense it will be. If you’re going for a light jog or doing some yoga, a small snack like an apple or banana would suffice. But if you’re going to lift heavy weights or do a more strenuous workout, you’ll need something more substantial to give you energy.
A pre-workout meal should consist of both carbohydrates and protein. Carbs are your body’s main source of energy and help you perform at your best. Protein helps repair and build muscle tissue. It’s important to have both before working out so that your body has the fuel it needs to power through a tough workout. As well as the nutrients it needs to recover afterward.
What Are the Best Foods to Eat Before Working Out?
When it comes to pre-workout meals, the list is endless. It really depends on what you like and what works for your body. Some athletes prefer to eat a light meal an hour or two before they work out. While others like to eat a larger meal several hours in advance.
What Foods Should I Avoid Eating Before Workout?
You should avoid eating anything that will make you feel sluggish or bloated before working out. This includes goods that are high in fat and fiber. You also want to avoid sugary foods that will give you a quick burst of energy followed by an inevitable crash.
Here’s a list of prohibited foods you should avoid before working out:
- fried food;
- carbonated drinks;
- desserts;
- beans;
- high-fat dairy products;
- processed food.
What Is the Best Pre Workout Meal for Weight Loss?
Here are five recipes for pre-workout meals that will give you the energy to slay your workout.
1. Whole-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter and Banana
You’ll need:
- whole-grain toast;
- peanut butter;
- banana.
Instructions:
Toast the bread and spread the treat on a layer of peanut butter. Top with thin slices of banana. Eat the whole-grain toast 30 to 45 minutes before your workout.
Whole grain toast is a complex carbohydrate that will give you sustained energy during your workout. Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. While the banana gives you potassium and vitamins to help you stay energized.
Plus, this meal is quick and easy to make, so you can have it prepped and ready to go in the morning. Just pop it in the toaster and add your toppings when you’re ready to eat.
2. Oatmeal with Berries and Greek Yogurt
You’ll need:
- ½ cup of dry oats;
- ¾ cup of almond milk or water;
- ½ cup of mixed berries;
- ¼ cup of Greek yogurt.
Instructions:
Cook the oats according to the instructions you see on the package. Once they’re done, add in the almond milk or water and berries. Top with Greek yogurt and eat 30 to 45 minutes before your workout.
Oats are another complex carbohydrate that will give you energy for your workout. They’re also packed with fiber and vitamins. The berries add antioxidants and sweetness. While Greek yogurt provides protein to help repair muscles after your workout.
3. Protein Shake
You’ll need:
- ¾ cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk;
- ½ banana;
- ¼ cup of raw spinach leaves;
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract;
- one scoop of protein powder.
Instructions:
Blend all the shake ingredients together and drink 20 to 30 minutes before your workout.
This shake is perfect if you’re short on time. It’s also low in calories but high in protein and vitamins. Spinach provides iron and other essential nutrients. While the protein powder will help repair muscles after your workout. Almond milk is a great pre-workout meal because it’s packed with healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
A good protein shake is a quick and easy way to get the nutrients you need for the workout if you’re short on time. Be sure to choose a quality protein powder and add some healthy fats like coconut oil or avocado. These foods will help you slow down digestion and keep you feeling full.
4. Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
You’ll need:
- eggs;
- cheese;
- olive oil or butter;
- salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
Whisk the eggs, and then add salt and pepper to taste. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat and add the whisked eggs. Cook until they begin to set, and then reduce the heat to low. Add cheese and cook until desired consistency is reached.
Scrambled eggs are a great pre-workout meal because they’re easy to digest and full of protein and healthy fats. The key is to not overcook the scrambled eggs, so they don’t become difficult to digest.
Cheese adds flavor and extra protein, but you can also add some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for an extra nutrient boost. Just be sure to have this meal at least an hour before your workout, so your body has time to digest it properly.
Scrambled eggs are a good pre-workout meal because they’re quick and easy to make, high in protein, and contain healthy fats. Make sure you use a quality cheese like cheddar or mozzarella.
5. Nuts and Honey
You’ll need:
- ½ cup of nuts;
- one teaspoon of honey.
This is a great pre-workout snack because it’s full of protein and healthy fats. The honey will give you a little bit of energy, and the nuts will help keep you full. Just be sure to eat this about 30 minutes before your workout, so you don’t get too full.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas for pre-workout meals that can help you lose weight. Remember, the key is to find something that works for you and that you enjoy eating. If you’re in two minds about the food choice, talk to a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help you create a plan that fits your needs. You can start with the five pre-workout meals mentioned in this article to get enough energy before heading to the gym.
