Best Pre-workout Snacks Ideas

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tracegoldb
tracegoldb Posts: 7
in Goal: Maintaining Weight
Hey everyone! I'm finding it really challenging to find a good pre-workout snack to help fuel me through my workout mid day. I tried a Larabar and that was decent, but I was hoping some of you would have some good suggestions based on your own experiences. I always find it easier to workout in the morning because 1/2 cup of oatmeal and banana is usually perfect for me, but if I'm on the go, or it's mid-day, I wouldn't opt for oatmeal.

Thanks in advance!
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Replies

  • honsi
    honsi Posts: 210 Member
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    I often have a couple of boiled eggs in my bag and some dates. I like a nice mix of protein and carbs before a workout to give me sustained energy. Nuts are good too as well bananas. I also like raw food bars for convenience.
    Of course a filter coffee with 2 sugars also helps.
  • dwm2112
    dwm2112 Posts: 77 Member
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    I usually go for a banana and either a bar (Clif Mojo - comparatively low in sugar without tasting like cardboard) or a handful of snack mix (nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolate). The Fresh Market and Whole Foods sell various snack mixes in bulk and they're very good. I also eat hard-boiled eggs sometimes, but tend to save those for after my workout, for the protein.
  • tracegoldb
    tracegoldb Posts: 7
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    Thank you both so much! Do you eat the yolk of the hard boiled egg?
  • LBennett34
    LBennett34 Posts: 25 Member
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    Good ole' banana is one of the best, about an hour before. Best wishes!
  • srr728
    srr728 Posts: 549 Member
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    banana with pb was perfect combo for me can go 60-90mins no prob cheap and always on hand and its more than 4 bites lol
  • Apocalypz
    Apocalypz Posts: 155 Member
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    I don't eat anything prior to my workout as it upsets my stomach; instead, I eat after the workout. During the workout, I drink loads of modified water (e.g. Gatorade, ISOpure, Crystal Light, etc) ... anything that's not just water, because that tastes gross. :sick:
  • ottermotorcycle
    ottermotorcycle Posts: 654 Member
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    Coffee. The caffeine will give you energy for your workout, and if you want some protein and carbs you can add milk as well. Plus it's really low in calories!
  • KoopaSix
    KoopaSix Posts: 252 Member
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    Pre workout you want a slow digesting carb. Typically I'll go for:

    1/2 cup stone ground grits
    1 scoop whey protein
    3/4 cup egg whites

    Macros for this are:
    67g cho, 2g fat, 51g pro

    The macronutrient profile of this meal pre workout is amazing.

    I'll often do 1 serving of shredded wheat, 3/4 cup egg whites and "protein milk" (nothing more than water/whey. Vanilla works best for more of a "milk" flavor" This is also another great pre workout with a similar macro profile.
  • KoopaSix
    KoopaSix Posts: 252 Member
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    Thank you both so much! Do you eat the yolk of the hard boiled egg?

    8 a day..while cutting and losing 1-2 lbs a week at a steady pace. The yolk is the most nutrient dense part of the egg, not to mention the tastiest. Why not eat it if it fits your macros.
  • kristieshannon
    kristieshannon Posts: 160 Member
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    I buy the Trader Joe's "Just a Handful" packets in the Omega Mix variety. It's a 170 cal packet of nuts and dried fruit. It's the perfect snack prior to a workout, filled with healthy fats, a little carbs, and protein!
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
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    I don't have specific pre workout snacks. food doesnt' seem to bother my workouts since i was young until now recently when I was almost through the couch 2 5 k program. maybe later when i workout harder but i doubt it. i have an iron stomach.

    do you need the snack to be light? or filling to get thru your workout? specific request might yield better suggestions.
  • snappingosprey
    snappingosprey Posts: 28 Member
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    http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2012/09/10/facts-and-myths-about-fueling-up-before-your-workout

    Most here have it right - fruit about an hour before working out. I either have a banana or down a 8oz glass of OJ

    Stay away from protein heavy foods (some is okay, esp if you are lifting) - the goal is carbs.
  • tracegoldb
    tracegoldb Posts: 7
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    do you need the snack to be light? or filling to get thru your workout? specific request might yield better suggestions.

    Yes, I'm generally looking for a light snack to help me sustain enough energy to do about 20 minutes of cardio and an hour of weight/strength training.

    Has anyone tried some natural peanut butter on a rice cake beforehand? Someone gave me that suggestion today!
  • fitnh
    fitnh Posts: 238 Member
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    Oatmeal and a banana....protein after the workout!
  • MityMax96
    MityMax96 Posts: 5,778 Member
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    I work out fasted myself.....


    But if I were to do a snack...
    Some piece of fruit or a quest bar....
    maybe some apple and peanut butter....
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,065 Member
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    Early morning? COFFEE :drinker:

    Otherwise a banana or a yogurt works for me.
  • jamescarlsen21
    jamescarlsen21 Posts: 7
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    Hi tracegoldb,
    banana is one of the best and effective pre workout snack, With this u can also try some pre workout supplement like Muscle Pharm Assault, BSN N.O. Xplode 2 Advanced Strength .
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
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    I find that a big baked potato right before a workout gives me lots of energy to really up the intensity. Lots of good carbs to fuel the workout.
  • gabbymom2
    gabbymom2 Posts: 175 Member
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    Protein shake or green smoothie!

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