The 5 Top Pre-Workout Meals For Energy

So you wanna get to the gym but you're feeling kind of sluggish..

Maybe you had a long day at work..

But the bottom line is that you need a nice energy kick to get to the gym! Well, skip the chocolate and Red Bull because there are better and healthier sources of energy.

Here are the 5 energy foods to add to your shopping list:

1) Bananas

Bananas are a great source of natural sugars and potassium! In the body potassium is only stored for a limited amount of time- so try consuming a banana around 30 minutes to an hour before your workout. Eating a banana pre workout is the perfect way to boost your glycogen stores and increase blood sugar levels.

2) Almonds

Almonds are high in calcium, fibre, magnesium, potassium, protein and vitamin E. They contain more vitamin E than any other nut—just one ounce of almonds holds half your daily vitamin E needs. To top off their health benefits, almonds are also high in antioxidants. These superfood nuts will fill you up fast and sustain your energy.

3) Blueberries

Blueberries are a delicious, energetic snack. They are slowly digested to keep you full during your workout and the berries provide a small amount of carbs as well as antioxidants to fight against workout-induced stressors on the body.

4) Porridge and oatmeal

Porridge and oatmeal are the ultimate pre workout meal. Containing complex carbohydrates and is also a great source of soluble fibre. By consuming oats around 2 hours before a workout, you’ll be able to satisfy your hunger, whilst getting a great source of slow releasing energy.

Tip: Try adding a scoop of protein powder to your porridge! That way you’ll also get a great source of protein and muscle protecting amino acids.

5) Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothies provide a series of micronutrients that are beneficial for health and well-being. They are also full of natural sugars that will provide you with energy. Consuming a fruit smoothie pre workout is a great pre workout meal option that can provide you with a hit  of fast acting energy.

So, now you know all there is to know about pre-workout foods, why not put it into practice?