5 Energizing Grab-and-Go Foods To Fuel Your Workout
To empower you throughout your workout and keep you going the rest of the day, here are five energizing grab-and-go foods to fuel your workout. There’s no denying the benefits of a good workout. Exercise not only keeps your body healthy and looking great but also boosts your energy level, mood, and focus. If you’re like most people, you probably want to make the most of your time by getting in and out of the gym as quickly as possible. That’s where these five energizing grab-and-go foods to fuel your workout come in handy.
1. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in fiber and healthy fats, which means they won’t leave you feeling hungry an hour later. They’re great snacks on their own, but they’re also perfect for throwing into smoothies or other recipes. They go well with fruit as a quick breakfast, too.
Some great options are almonds, walnuts, pecans, hemp hearts, chia seeds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and sunflower seeds. Look for seeds and raw nuts that haven’t been roasted or salted.
2. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a convenient grab-and-go option if you’re looking for something sweet to snack on. It’s great to add to your morning cereal or oatmeal, or you can make a trail mix out of it when you want something to nibble on before or after a workout. Dried fruit is easier to transport and store than fresh fruit because it won’t go bad as quickly. It also has an impressive amount of fiber at about six grams per cup. Look for unsweetened dried fruit without any added sugars or preservatives, if possible. We like raisins and dried dates, cranberries, currants, blueberries, cherries, and apricots.
3. Dark Chocolate
You may be surprised to find candy as one of our five energizing grab-and-go foods, but as far as sweet snacks go, dark chocolate is one of the best to eat before or after a workout. It not only gives you quick energy but also boosts your mood and makes you feel good. Dark chocolate has many impressive health benefits—it has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.
4. Nut Butters
Nut butter is a great snack to bring with you if you’re looking for something to spread on toast, crackers, or fruit. With eight grams of protein per serving, nut butters are also packed with energy-boosting fuel. They’re full of healthy fats and potassium, which keeps your blood pressure in check. We love almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. The possibilities are endless.
5. Low-Carb Protein Bars
Lastly, if you’re in a pinch and need something quick to grab before going to the gym, try a low-carb protein snack or bar. These snacks are specially formulated to give your body the protein it needs without the added sugar or carbs.