If we want to get in shape, most of the time training isn’t enough, but it’s also important to watch what we eat. If you want to get the maximum results of a workout, there are several options of pre-workout snacks you should keep in mind. The right food can help make the best out of your workout, while not eating the right foods (or even worse, not eating anything) might make your workout a lot harder than it should be.

If you’ve been training for a while, you might know what are the foods that go well with a training program; those are normally foods that are rich in protein, carbs and fat (healthy fat, like avocados, rather than ice cream). Those foods provide us with the energy needed to complete the workout with the best results. Here are a number of suggestions for the best pre-workout snacks.

Fruit smoothie

A smoothie is one of the best things you can do for your body before and after a workout, and the best part is that you can decide hoe to make it and which fruits to include. It’s recommended to include fruits that are rich in protein, such as bananas and dates (they also go well together) and add a spoon of protein powder – if your workout includes weights training. It’s recommended to add either yogurt, water or sugar-free orange juice as a base for the smoothie, rather than milk.

Toast with avocado / peanut butter and bananas

We know that if we’re reaching for the protein and fat department, bananas, avocados and peanut butter are essential products. That’s why a (whole-grain) toast with either of those foods would make an ideal pre-workout snack. You can combine the avocado with an egg of your choice, or combine the peanut butter and bananas (they go well together).

A cup of yogurt with berries

Yogurt provides us with protein and fats, and yet it’s not as heavy as avocado or peanut butter might feel sometimes, which makes it the perfect choice for a snack (or breakfast). Combine it with a fruit, such as berries of all kinds or bananas (or better yet, both), nuts and seeds (of your choice) – and you have a nutritious (and more importantly, delicious) pre-workout snack.

Oatmeal with toppings of your choice

Oatmeal is rich with complex carbs, which digest slowly and give us the feeling we’re full for a longer time (that’s why it also makes a great choice for breakfast – we don’t get hungry soon after eating oatmeal, and it sustains us until lunch). You can add a scoop of protein powder to you oatmeal (this is particularly recommended if your workout includes wights training), and fruits of your choice (as usual, bananas and berries are a great choice).