What To Eat Before A Workout?

As a personal trainer, I get this question too often. Some people prefer to work out before breaking
their fast, while others find more energy and focus by eating before their workout. If you need a little
energy boost, keep in mind that food is fuel for your body. It gives you the energy you need to crush a
workout session and recover from it.

When picking what you should eat before your workout, there are two things you should keep in mind,
i.e., the type of food you eat, and the right time to eat. It might seem hard to keep track of the food you
eat before a workout for a week, but you can keep a journal to track how you feel and why you got
certain results.

1. Type of food

Although proteins are essential for every fitness journey, they are not a source of energy. I always
recommend carbs or fats before workouts. In all honesty, there isn’t one specific type of food that you
should eat before a workout. However, high-carb and high-fat foods provide energy to fuel your body.
You should, therefore, start by experimenting with either carbs or fats to see which one works best for
you.

For instance, if you ate carbs (oatmeal or banana slices), note it down on your journal. Make sure you
highlight what you felt during the workout. Did you have enough energy? Did you find it easier to focus,
or were you constantly distracted? How soon did you get tired? Taking note of how your workout
session was makes personal training a lot easier. It enables you to pick the foods that work for you and
makes your workout routine sustainable.

2. Food Timing

A general rule of thumb to start with, is having a meal about 1 hour before your workout. This gives your
body enough time to digest the meal while still providing the energy you’re looking for.
This, however, does not apply to everyone. You might need to take note of the time you eat your pre-
workout meal to ensure that you have an accurate estimation of the best time for you to eat before a
workout. Some people eat on their way to the gym and crush their sets, but you might need to wait a
few hours after eating for optimal energy levels.

In general, it’s crucial to figure out what works for you. Keep a journal, be honest with yourself, hold
yourself accountable, and if you have any questions or concerns; don’t hesitate to ask your fitness
trainer for help. You can contact us via Facebook messenger (button in the corner) or going to the Contact Us page on this site. We are always available to address any questions or concerns with answers that are tailored specifically for you.