The Shakti Gymnast

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. ...

Here are some snack and drink ideas for you to bring to the gym or for you to have after practice: 1. Trail mix.  I like the trail mix at Trader Joe's.  The have several varieties.  They have some with just nuts, some with cranberries, some with chocolate or M & M's and they come in big bags or little prepared packets.  I like the one called "Tempting Trek Mix" with Peanuts, Cherry's, Almonds, Cashews, Chocolate, and my favorite part, Peanut Butter Chips. 2. Organic fruit leathers.  The fruit leathers I like are at Trader Joe's also. They don't have many calories in them, so you might have to eat a few. My favorite flavor is Apple Wildberry. 3. Protein shakes. The kind of protein shakes I like are flavored chocolate or vanilla and I get them from Sprouts or Trader Joe's. Sprouts has better quality powders with Grass Fed Whey but Trader Joe's is also good and less expensive. I like to have my protein shakes before or after I go to the gym...