What should I eat before working out?: General Exercise & Fitness Discussions

sally · **Site Rank:** Healthy Friend

Are there better foods to either than others to eat before working out? Especially for a lady in her mid 40's who is trying to get in better shape, like me? I feel like some days the food I eat before working out slows me down more than others, but I can't quite pin point what foods give me more energy. Or should I not be eating before working out?

HealthyPals · **Site Rank:** Site Admin

Hi Sally,

In order to maximize your efforts when working out and exercising, you need to make sure that you eat the right foods beforehand. You need to also make sure you are properly hydrated drinking lots of water throughout the day.

Here is a list of 10 foods that are good to eat before your workout.

Chocolate - The bioactive compounds tyramine and phenylethylamine found in chocolate can provide you with an energy boost for an intense exercise session. You must be careful with chocolate to not go overboard since it is packed with sugar, calories and fat. The best most healthy chocolate is dark chocolate.
Carbohydrate energy gels - These provide a dose of concentrated carbs, roughly equivalent to half a bagel. They are ideal for runners, and any other athletes that are going through high-intensity workouts.
Bananas and other fruits - Bananas are a very digestible form of carbohydrate. They are packed with potassium, which aids in maintaining proper nerve and muscle function.
Trail Mix - A great source of phosphorous and zinc. These promote muscle growth, boosts energy, and speeds up muscle healing.
Yogurt - Yogurt activates enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of protein and carbs.
Energy Bars - These are packed with a balance of essential nutrients.
Oatmeal - Oatmeal contain B vitamins, which are energizing, stress-lowering, and help to convert carbs into energy.
Almonds - They provide energy-boosting essential fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s.
Pasta - A great source of complex carbs, which help increase stored energy (glycogen) in the muscles.
Lentils - A great source of carbs, protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium, and copper. They will provide you with a great pre-workout energy boost.

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