Pre-workout is what athletes use in order to get a boost in energy, endurance and/or adrenaline to get them through training or a game. There is food that can be used and some bodybuilders and gym freaks use pre workout supplements.
I have used pre-workout before and have gotten the itch and rush that comes with it. I don’t enjoy using it myself and never recommend it, because there are natural ones that you can use in getting the same rush that you need before an intense activity.
1. Coffee as a Pre-Workout
Coffee being a caffeine drink that is low in calories and in volume is a great natural pre workout coming from brewed coffee beans. It works by putting caffeine into your bloodstream to provide you with an energy boost. According to ScienceDaily, the maximum concentration of caffeine comes into effect 30–45 minutes after consumption.
This boost in energy will ensure that you can be better with your performance in the gym. Be aware that coffee is a diuretic which leads to water loss, but to combat this, have a bottle of water that you sip on throughout your workout.
Make it black or with milk and sugar, just also be aware that milk can sometimes have uncomfortable effects on your stomach.
2. Bananas as Pre-Workout
Bananas are fruits that are high in carbohydrates providing 27 grams for a medium-sized banana. They are broken down in glucose, which is main source of energy for the body.
Bananas also provide fiber, which helps slow absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Other than make you feel fuller for longer, your body will get a gradual supply of energy, which can improve your performance in the gym.
Bananas are know for their high concentration of potassium, which is an electrolyte, which helps with fluid imbalances in your body. People like to say that the sugar in ripe bananas (most fruits have sugar) can make you fat. You can only get fat if you eat more calories than you burn. No one food makes you fat.
3. Peanut Butter as a Pre-Workout
I know the image doesn’t only show peanut butter, but this looked delicious.
Peanut butter is rich in nutrients and higher in calories than coffee. It is high in unsaturated fat, which is the good plant fats that you should consume. It takes a long time to digest so it’s recommended that you eat it in no less than 60 minutes before you work out.
Peanuts are a food allergy, so be careful and it’s not for everyone. It can leave you feeling heavy at training, but this is why it is important not eat it in less than an hour before your workout.
These are the go-to pre-workout foods because they are natural and quick to get a hold of. They can be bought in bulk at a cost that is less than all pre-workout supplements.
So if at some point during your fitness journey you decide you want something to boost your energy and performance in the gym, try this:
- 1. A driven mindset (you’re gonna smash the session) before you head to the gym.
- 2. A banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter for increased energy stores to use throughout the workout 30–60 minutes before your workout.
- 3. Black or milk coffee for that spur of caffeine that gets your mind and body physically ready to start the workout and focus throughout.
- 4. #1 one is needed, #2 and #3 can be either or depending on what works for you. All the best and make it through your workout as I hope that these tips help.
