What you take before and after your workout can make or break your performance in the gym as well as your gains. Nodding your head to it? Well yes, you must stay on top of your pre and post workout meal game because there’s no way you can get a fit body without keeping a check on your meals, especially the ones that you pump into your body right before and after your workout.

For starters, imagine this—You are running and exercising on an empty stomach while training. You start to feel sluggish and weak making your performance drop down a few bars, you give in a few minutes as you feel energy depleted.

When you begin your workout on a near empty stomach, your energy stores will get used rapidly. Once they are fully used, your body turns to your muscles as its next source of energy. When you do not eat post your workout, you are not replenishing your lost electrolytes, salts, and other nutrients. Thus, proper nutrition is essential for recovery post any workout as the muscles need time and nutrients to rebuild and repair themselves.

We suggest, pick a slow-digesting carbohydrate-rich meal before your workouts and add fruits and some proteins too. Post your workout, try to give more proteins, a shot! Another cray tip to replenish on your lost electrolytes is to down some fresh fruit juices, water, lemon juice or detox water.healthy snacks

Here’s what you should keep at an arm’s length when it comes to Pre-Workout Snacks

The pre-workout snack should be rich in slow-digesting carbs. You could grab a banana or munch on some trail mix of nuts, seeds and dried fruits or have an avocado toast with eggs to go with in case you’re running out on time. Here’s some snack ideas to have before your workouts.

  • Oatmeal with fruits – Start your workout with a bowl of high-fiber oatmeal and any fruit. Your body can digest the carbs in this combo in a slower and more efficient manner and maintain your sugar levels steadily. You will feel energized for a longer time. Add some low-fat milk for added protein and calcium.
  • Fruit and yogurt smoothie – Smoothies are the easiest to make and guzzle. Smoothies get digested easily and don’t make you feel sluggish during your workout. Whip up your own protein-rich smoothie by blending some yoghurt and any fruit of your choice. Blend with ice or water to stay hydrated.

‘Thumbs Up’ to these Post-Workout Snack Ideas 

  • Chocolate Milk – Chocolate milk has been a childhood favorite for one and all, right? This is an ideal drink to refuel and rebuild your muscles. Since chocolate milk is 90% water, it also replaces the fluids and electrolytes lost during your workout.
  • Greek yoghurt and fruit – A cup of the yummy Greek yoghurt with added fruits offers you the required energy-boosting carbs. Eating this healthy snack post your workouts has known to help with muscle inflammation caused by exercise. There you are now, good to go!
  • Green smoothie – A protein rich green smoothie is known to help replace the lost electrolytes and provide the required proteins. Whip up your green smoothie by blending baby spinach, almond milk, Greek yoghurt, some berries and chia seeds. Drink this after your workout for a much-needed energy boost. Voila! It’s a win-win—You’re healthy and happy!

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