Pre-Workout Foods

I believe what and when an athlete eats before a workout, practice, or competition has an effect on performance. It's important to eat easily-digestible whole foods that will provide the athlete with energy before a workout. As a vegan and recently gluten-free athlete, here are some of my favorite pre-workout snacks and foods that fuel me and provide me with energy before I workout:

1. Dates

Dates are high in carbs and fiber. Carbohydrates will provide energy, while fiber allows the food to easily digest after eating, so you can feel a boost in energy right away. I like Joolies Dates because they are organic, pitted, and have no-sugar added. 

If you're looking for a snack with more calories, try cutting the date open and spreading nut butter inside. 


2. Figs

Like dates, figs are an excellent source of fiber and carbs. I recommend getting dried figs. My favorite figs are from Nutra-Figs. Unfortunately, they aren't organic, but they are kosher and no sugar is added. 


3. Apple Sauce or Apples

Apple sauce or a plain apple is super easy to digest and is packed with natural sugars that are guaranteed to give you an energy boost. Apple sauce is really easy to make, but if you decide to buy it, try to get the apple sauce with no sugar added. Apples are already high in sugar and when there is sugar added, it's easy to go overboard with the sugar. 


4. Bananas

Bananas are high in fiber and potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps the function of our cells. This snack is good for before, during, and after a workout, as it can help replenish our electrolyte stores. I recommend getting organic bananas, or at least bananas that are not grown in Chile, because these bananas are sprayed heavily with pesticides. 


5. Nuts

Nuts contain fiber, protein, and carbs. They pack a lot of calories, which is good for supporting intense practices and workouts. A handful of nuts will give you about as much carbs as protein, so this snack is good for pre, during, and post workout/practice. This snack is also good for in-between meals. Whenever I'm feeling especially hungry and it's not quite lunch time yet, I'll have a handful of walnuts or almonds. 



 
That's pretty much it! Comment below what snacks you like to have pre-workout that give you an energy boost. Thanks for reading!

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