Natural Pre-Workout Meals

To keep us healthy, strong, and active, we need to work out regularly. But working out daily is not an easy task, especially with these busy schedules and hectic work life.

On that basis, it is very important to get the most out of a workout. For example, we must aim to train harder, run quicker and spin faster. But how many of us prepare ourselves before a workout session?

Most of the time, we forget that we must fuel the engine to ensure smooth running. It’s very important to prepare ourselves both mentally and physically before a workout session. But what is more appropriate to take as a pre-workout meal?

What are Natural Pre-Workout Meals?

There are certain food items derived from natural sources which are recommended to be eaten before working out by nutritionists and physicians. These foods are known as pre-workout meals. These meals are something that you may take to fuel your activity and provide enough energy for your body before a workout session to perform at its peak. The purpose is very simple, which is the maximization of your efforts while working out.

We all have different physiological needs and demands. These pre-workout meals are a perfect balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates which ensure that you can easily fight fatigue, gain extra energy and recover properly. Pre-workout supplements also prevent exhaustion and ensure that your digestion system improves.

Most effective natural foods which work as a pre-workout meal

Here are the top natural foods that work great as a pre-workout meal. Although they will not act as an alternative for pre-workout supplements, they are sure to boost your energy during workouts.

  • Bananas: Bananas contain carbohydrates and potassium. They are known as nature’s power bar. They mainly function by supporting muscle and nerve tissues. Taking bananas before a workout session can help you in many ways. Carbs provide the main source of energy fuel for our body and brain. And carbs account for the majority of bananas calories. Eating a banana is a great way to give yourself an extra energy boost that you may need as a pre-workout meal.
  • Oats: Oats are known to release carbohydrates gradually, and they are full of fiber. Consuming oats before working out ensures that you can train harder and longer. Oats help to keep your energy levels steady and stable because they slowly release carbohydrates. There are different varieties of oats available. Among them, Irish oats are supposed to be the best as they are the least processed kind of oats. They also have a lower glycemic load compared to instant oats. Some oats also contain Vitamin B. Thus is responsible for converting carbohydrates into energy. Oats can be a good choice if you want to take a good pre-workout meal.
  • Grilled Chicken, Broccoli and Sweet Potato: This is a combo that might help you a lot if you are trying to work on building more muscle tissue. This is also helpful if you are planning to hit the circuit training harder than usual. Grilled chicken, broccoli and sweet potato are more of a meal than a snack. We strongly suggest giving it a try.
  • Dried Fruit: Dried fruits are a great source of carbohydrates that are easily digestible. These are easy, quick and perfect pre-workout meals. You can take some apricots, berries, figs, pineapple and figs as a quick pre-workout meal when you are having a busy day.
  • Whole Grain Bread: Whole grain bread combined with some hard-boiled eggs is a perfect combination for a pre-workout meal. It is also a great source of carbs.
  • Fruit and Greek Yogurt: This is a perfect natural pre-workout meal because the fruit is an excellent source of carbs and the Greek Yogurt has double the protein compared to the regular yogurt. When you take this as a pre-workout meal, the carbs stored in the fruit break down very fast and provide you with enough energy to go through an extensive workout. At the same time, protein from the Greek Yogurt helps to prevent muscle damage.

Difference between Natural Pre-workout Meals and Artificial Pre-workout Meals

Natural pre-workout meals mainly consist of caffeine, protein, vitamins, creatine, amino acid, and many other important ingredients that are a great source of energy. Artificial pre-workout supplements may contain some chemicals and toxic substances synthesized in the laboratory through chemical reactions. However, a pre-workout supplement is ideal if you want a quick and effective result.

Many artificial pre-workout supplements contain artificial sweeteners in their formulation, which are very harmful to our bodies. Only a few don’t have artificial sweeteners. But the natural pre-work workout meals are free from all kinds of side effects while offering you a wide range of health benefits. They help in muscle build-up and better perfusion. Taking a balanced pre-workout meal means you are getting better at exercise execution, and you have a shorter recovery time.

Are natural meals better?

Pre-workout meals are taken to improve your physical performance as well as boost your energy levels. These natural meals are undoubtedly better than any artificial supplements that are chemically induced because the artificial pre-workout supplements may have moderate to severe side effects.

Natural pre-workout meals are safe to take for healthy young adults as they are derived from natural resources and free from all kinds of toxic substances. They work faster and better as a pre-workout supplement because of their natural ingredients. Besides, natural pre-workout meals are more efficient compared to artificial ones.

Conclusion

If you are still in doubt about whether you need a pre-workout supplement or not, the answer is nothing but YES. A wholesome and balanced pre-workout meal will not only provide you with all the necessary ingredients but also allows your body to function at its best.

A natural pre-workout meal ensures lower protein breakdown and greater performance. It also causes significant weight loss while avoiding fatigue. Besides, taking a correct pre-workout diet will help you prevent glycogen depletion in the muscle.

Make sure you take the pre-workout meals at the right time because it has a direct impact on how you will perform during the workout session. And also read about the best post workout supplements and snacks.

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