Don’t let reduced energy levels keep you from making it to your workout session. Low energy can hit us at any time during the day and can make us feel tired and unproductive. However, there’s a trick to solve this issue – knowing the kinds of foods to eat to keep your energy up and running.
While most foods out there are known to provide some energy, not all of them are healthy, and not all of them will give you the energy you need to make it to that fitness class.
Knowing when to eat before a workout is as important as knowing what to eat. Eating one to two hours before a workout is a good time to allow your body to store this energy to prepare the muscles for optimum performance during exercise.
Foods to Boost Energy Levels
If you’re an athlete or someone who is looking to boost energy before a workout, below are a few foods that will not only keep your energy up but are also healthy for your body.
1. Bananas
Tasty, light, easy to clean up after, and a great source of energy, bananas are definitely a winner when it comes to giving the body an energy boost.
Packed with potassium, magnesium, and carbs, bananas can improve endurance and provides the body with continuous energy while you exercise.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good pre-workout food because digesting oatmeal releases carbohydrates slowly, and therefore, the slow release of carbs provides the body with consistent energy as you workout.
While other foods containing carbohydrates come with highs and lows that impact the body negatively, oatmeal does not, making it a top food to eat before you exercise.
3. Lentils
There’s a reason why lentils are a must have superfood for the diet. Not only are they packed with protein, carbs, and fiber, they also keep your blood sugar in check, and make sure your energy is amped up for your workouts.
Lentils also work to refuel the body with folate, zinc, and magnesium which are essential nutrients that play an important role in the production and release of energy.
4. Whole Wheat Pasta
The key here is “whole wheat”. Avoid the processed and refined kind and head to the whole wheat section in your grocery store to pick up pasta that is packed with healthy fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.
While the carbohydrates will give you the energy you need to boost your performance at the gym, the fiber and protein work to promote digestion and muscle building in the process.
5. Yogurt
Not just any yogurt, but low-fat plain yogurt is recommended if you’re looking for a healthy way to increase your energy levels.
The magnesium in yogurt works to promote digestion and absorbs essential proteins and carbohydrates to improve your performance as your exercise.
8. Dark Chocolate
Rich in antioxidants and a healthy snack to include in your diet, dark chocolate can enhance strength, particularly in the legs and boost one’s endurance during exercise.
Dark chocolate can also be especially helpful in preventing muscles soreness as the antioxidants work to fight oxidative stress and the flavonols help to promote blood circulation after exercise.
Tips to Take Away
A few other tips on how to boost your energy levels are mentioned below:
- Healthy foods are a must if you are looking to gain maximum benefits from your workouts.
- Drink lots of water. Dehydration not only lowers your energy levels but also causes fatigue and dizziness that can negatively impact your workouts.
- Fruits that are packed with fiber and vitamins are a healthier option than other sugars and come with the energy boost you need for your exercise.
- Don’t wait until tomorrow, get in the car and get to the gym today to keep your energy up and getting the exercise you need to maintain overall health and well-being.
Quick FAQs
1. What are some of the best foods to eat that boost energy levels?
Healthy foods that work to boost your energy levels and provide the body with essential nutrients that promote strength and endurance are good foods to eat before you exercise.
For example, bananas, oatmeal, and dark chocolate are some of the foods that are known to enhance energy levels in the body.
2. What are some foods that boost energy and metabolism?
Foods that boost energy and metabolism include lean meats such as turkey and chicken.
References:
Lancaster, A. (2017, October 03). Foods to Eat Before a Workout to Increase Energy. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/232468-foods-to-eat-before-a-workout-to-increase-energy/
27 Foods That Can Give You More Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/energy-boosting-foods
Meredith, J. (n.d.). Sports nutrition: 10 foods that will boost energy. Retrieved from https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/1133/sports-nutrition-10-foods-that-will-boost-energy
B. (2017, June 05). What Are Some Tips To Increase Energy Right Before A Workout? Retrieved from https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/wotw88.htm
Hendley, J. (2012, July 17). 5 Power Foods to Fuel Your Workout. Retrieved from http://www.eatingwell.com/article/112133/5-power-foods-to-fuel-your-workout/
