Pre-gym snack food?

poptastic
poptastic Posts: 151 Member
in Food and Nutrition
My friend and I do a couple of classes at the gym on a Tuesday evening, which means that we are there later than normal (til around 9pm) and so need a snack before going. I normally eat dinner quite late, but I don't have a very big lunch so if I did 2 hours of exercise before dinner my head would be spinning! What is the best thing to eat before a workout? There's only about an hour between when I get home from work, and when I go out to the gym, so I need something not too heavy.

Replies

  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    Fruit is best - something like a banana - and have a drink!
  • muayqis
    muayqis Posts: 72
    i find that if i have a slightly smaller lunch, then another meal about the same size at 4pm, i'm set for the gym at 6pm, gym till 8 or 9, Neck a protein shake after. if there's a gap between sessions you might manage a small protienshake their too? maybe?, then home for something really light then bed.
    that's about what i aim for
  • louised88
    louised88 Posts: 159
    I don't know what your cal allowance is, but I'm in the same boat as you, if I don't have time to eat before the gym I buy Bounce energy balls from the health shop. They're like little chewy peanutty protein bars, but at 230 cals and eur3.20, they're not cheap. But they're small so you don't get that full, sick feeling and they definitely keep you going.
  • DaffyGirl88
    DaffyGirl88 Posts: 5,102 Member
    How about a protein shake? That's not too heavy.
  • kimberly728
    kimberly728 Posts: 124
    protein shake. i take one scoop of protein power and mix with 8oz of water. plus a banana. you should be fine with that.
  • hiryze
    hiryze Posts: 48 Member
    I don't know if this would work for others but I usually have a piece of wheat toast with a tablespoon of peanut butter or a half a banana and an ounce of cheese. Sometimes if I am really hungry pre-workout,I throw in a couple ounces of chicken breast.
  • Change_is_Good_
    Change_is_Good_ Posts: 272 Member
    Stupid (but genuine) question alert!

    Are protein shakes just for hard core gym-ers?
    I finish work at 18:30 and plan to go to the new gym opening over the road straight from the office so was going to start a similar thread.

    My definition of hard core gym-ers are people who are fitter than me and there specifically build muscle, yes I am extrememly ignorant and I beg forgiveness in advance *hangs head in shame*
  • NutellaAddict
    NutellaAddict Posts: 1,258 Member
    It depends what type of workout I'm doing..If I am doing a high impact/cardio workout I personally don't like to drink a protein shake an hr before that (might work for some people, but I feel like puking LOL). I usually have a banana and a slice of wheat toast or a chobani yogurt and a banana....
  • shefoundherwings
    shefoundherwings Posts: 1 Member
    I drink protein and am not a "hard core gym-er", I love it, especially between double classes or after my workout.

    favorite brand/flavor: Intek, carmel latte. . . . .strawberry/banana is a close 2nd (I add PB2 powder)
  • majope
    majope Posts: 1,325 Member
    I do a slice of whole-grain toast with a tablespoon of peanut butter if I have time, a granola bar or banana if I don't.
  • poptastic
    poptastic Posts: 151 Member
    Thanks for all the replies - I've never really tried protein shakes, I'm put off by the huge quantities you have to buy in one go, as I am fussy about artificially flavoured things and don't like most sweet things. Can anyone recommend a good one that you don't have to buy huge quantities of? It sounds like it might be a good thing for workout days when I'm pushed for time. For tonight I think I will go with the toast and PB - yum!
  • da_bears10089
    da_bears10089 Posts: 1,791 Member
    Stupid (but genuine) question alert!

    Are protein shakes just for hard core gym-ers?
    I finish work at 18:30 and plan to go to the new gym opening over the road straight from the office so was going to start a similar thread.

    My definition of hard core gym-ers are people who are fitter than me and there specifically build muscle, yes I am extrememly ignorant and I beg forgiveness in advance *hangs head in shame*

    anybody can drink protein shakes.
  • djshari
    djshari Posts: 513 Member
    I usually need a snack if I work out right after work since it has usually been 4-6 hours since lunch. I typically pick from almonds, string cheese, or cottage cheese.
  • stephaniemejia1671
    stephaniemejia1671 Posts: 482 Member
    Yogurt with granola. My head tends to spin sometimes too and it just drives me nuts.

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