Hey there gym bros! We know how expensive pre workout supplements can be nowadays. And if you search up pre workout foods for energy, you’re usually greeted with ingredients like tuna, avocado, and other stuff that you just can’t easily find in the Pakistani market.
But that doesn’t mean that you should compromise on eating the right foods before your workout.
You see, what you eat before going to the gym can make a massive difference in your training performance.
Now, you wouldn’t want to take your car on a 250 km journey without giving it fuel first right? Then why do the same for your body?
In this article we’re going to give you a list of 9 easy pre workout foods for energy that you can make with readily available ingredients. They pack a punch, are real, whole foods, and are sure to get you all ready to fire on all cylinders during your training sessions.
With that said, let’s get into it!
The Foods:
- Bananas
- Black Coffee/Tea
- A protein bar
- Chicken rice and vegetables
- Oatmeal
- Whole Grain bread with peanut butter
- Apple wedges and peanut butter
- Eggs
- A simple protein shake
What makes them a great pre workout food?
Bananas:
Bananas are a great source of natural sugars, simple carbs and potassium. The body stores potassium for a limited time, so try consuming a banana 30 minutes before your workout. Eating a banana is the perfect way to boost your energy and increase blood sugar levels.
Black Coffee/Tea:
Contain caffeine, which is a natural stimulant that can help to increase energy levels and focus. Caffeine can also help to improve endurance and reduce fatigue, making it easier to power through a workout.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that caffeine can cause dehydration therefore it’s important to drink good amounts of water when consuming it to stay hydrated. If drinking black coffee isn’t your thing, then you can try these caffeine tablets instead.
A protein bar:
The perfect solution for if you’re on the go and looking for a quick refuel before the gym. There’s a huge variety of options out there, but ideally look for one that packs a good amount of carbohydrates too for sustained energy. Here’s a great locally produced option.
Chicken, rice and vegetables:
A classic, but oh-so perfect when it comes to providing a sweet balance of proteins, carbs, and fibers. Everything you need to give supercharged performance in the gym. This meal provides amino acids to promote muscle growth and a slow-releasing source of energy as well. Since it is a full meal, consume 2-3 hours before a workout.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe that you can whip up in about 20 minutes!
Oatmeal:
Once again, we have the ultimate bodybuilders staple food. There’s a reason bodybuilders love this hearty and nutritious carbohydrate. This pre workout food contains complex carbohydrates, which digest more slowly, and is also a great source of fiber. By consuming oats around 1-2 hours before a workout, you’ll be able to satisfy your hunger throughout, whilst also being constantly fueled by slow releasing energy.
Whole Grain bread with peanut butter:
The whole grain bread provides the carbs and fibers for energy. The peanut butter adds an extra kick of protein and healthy fats for enhanced muscle recovery. What could be better? Just be sure to buy peanut butter that is just peanuts, and maybe a little bit of oil and salt.
Apple Wedges With Peanut Butter:
Delicious, nutritious, refreshing, PLUS a kick of protein. This slow digesting carb and source of quick natural sugars are a great combination to keep your body prepped for a great workout.
Eggs:
If you’re trying to build muscle and have relentless gym sessions without having eggs, you’re missing out. So versatile. So nutritious. So many vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients.
Eggs are an amazing source of protein and also contain all of the 9 essential amino acids(the building blocks of protein). They should be consumed at least 2-3 hours before your workout for optimal muscle growth and performance in the gym.
A simple protein shake:
You normally might associate a protein shake as a post workout meal, but did you know that you can have it before your gym session too? If you’re on the go and in a hurry, then a quick protein shake can solve all your pre-workout needs.
A good shake will contain plenty of nutrients, all the BCAA, EAAS, plus you can always add your own stuff in to make your shake, yours.
A good pre workout shake would have a scoop of protein, some oats, and then water as a base. You could also add in things like creatine for added muscle growth.
Take care not to use milk as a base as this can add a lot of extra calories and leave you feeling heavy.
Something you don’t want before a good workout.
Looking for a good option? Try out our very own Hyper WPC 80.Â
Take Home Message:
Getting a good pre workout meal doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you’re a seasoned lifter, or just really struggling with finding energy during your workouts, then only do pre workouts really make sense for you. Otherwise, we’d always advise to keep things simple. Make do with what you have, and make the best of it.
Yes, fitness is an investment, but you don’t have to render yourself poor in the process of trying to get every new supplement out there.