When you’re making health and fitness your goal, it’s always important to consider the small things you do daily and how they can impact your workouts. Pre-workout meals can make a big difference in how you feel throughout your workout. Proper nutrition can boost your body’s performance and increase your recovery time.
Healthy pre-workout meals reduce the risk of muscle damage and increase your energy so that your workout is strong and productive and you feel great both during and after.
Take a look at our list of seven simple meals to eat before your workout to fuel your body.
1. Grilled Chicken, Broccoli, and Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes seem to have become the side dish of the century. They’re popping up everywhere and with good reason. People can’t get enough of this tasty vegetable, and there’s no question as to why.
Aside from its rich flavor, sweet potatoes are high in fiber and iron, as well as in calcium, selenium, and vitamins b and c. Roast or mash some sweet potato and eat it on the side with some steamed broccoli and grilled chicken for a healthy start to any workout.
2. Oatmeal with Fruit and Peanut Butter
If you’re in the mood for a quick and inexpensive breakfast before you head to the gym, this is the choice for you. Cook oatmeal to taste and stir in fresh fruit and a tablespoon of peanut butter for a protein rich, low fat, and delicious pre-workout meal.
3. Baked Salmon, Brown Rice, and Roasted Veggies
Bake a piece of salmon in aluminum foil at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Add lemon, rosemary, and garlic on top for added flavor, and olive oil to keep it juicy as it bakes.
While your salmon is cooking, get some brown rice cooking. With a few minutes left on your salmon timer, spread some veggies on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and add them to the oven to roast.
4. A Classic Sandwich
What could be easier than a sandwich? Get some whole grain bread and load it up with a lean protein. Add avocado, tomato, and lettuce. On the side, enjoy a small salad with a hardboiled egg on top for extra protein.
5. Egg Omelet and Whole Grain Toast
Scramble a few eggs, or egg whites if you’re feeling ambitious with fresh vegetables. Toast some whole-grain bread and spread it with avocado. Add a small cup of fruit on the side, and you’re golden.
6. Chicken Pasta
Boil whole grain pasta and mix in peas, diced carrots, and shredded chicken. Sprinkle with sea salt, lemon zest, and cracked pepper for an extra punch of flavor.
7. Quinoa and Chicken Fillets
Rounding out at under 400 calories and 25 grams of protein, this quick and easy meal makes for great pre-workout fuel. Cook your quinoa with your favorite blend of spices and add a juicy fillet of chicken on top and that’s it. You’re good to go.
