The Best Pre-Workout Snacks for These 5 Workouts

You know what clothes are best, what shoes to wear and even what music keeps you motivated. But have you calculated in what snack to munch on before you head out for a run or hit up your hot yoga class? We've broken down the best foods that will keep you satisfied and properly fuelled for any kind of workout:

Workout: Running

Food: Oatmeal

Running sloshes your snacks around in your stomach, which can cause indigestion and acid reflux when you're pounding the pavement. Oatmeal is heavy enough to not slosh, but not so much that it weighs you down. Mix some Greek yoghurt and nuts into your oatmeal for protein to give you a boost of strength.

Workout: Spinning/cycling

Food: Green smoothie

Pack a smoothie full of leafy greens like spinach and kale before your big cycle. Mix in fruits and almonds. You'll be filling up on vitamins, potassium and iron from the greens, along with protein from the almonds. Many cyclists also pack fibre and protein rich granola bars like Jimmy Bars or Zing Bars to snack on if they're going for a particularly long ride.

Workout: Swimming

Food: Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt provides the perfect balance of complex carbohydrates with a little fat and protein mixed in. Competitive swimmers burn crazy amounts of calories in a pool sesh, but even if you're not training for the olympics, it's a must that you keep up your strength. Top your yogurt with fruits, a little honey and granola to give it flavour.

Workout: Yoga

Food: Chia pudding

You don't want to eat anything bulky before you get twisting and turning in yoga class. Chia pudding is an easy snack to throw together the night before. Grab a half cup of almond milk, 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and vanilla extract, cinnamon or chocolate chips and honey. Mix it up, put it in a mason jar and let it cool in the fridge overnight. Chia seeds are antioxidant rich and filled with fiber.

Workout: Strength training

Food: Hard boiled eggs

Getting high impact protein from sources like eggs will ensure you essential amino acids circulating through your bloodstream after you pick up the dumbbells. Amino acid aids in the recovery process post-workout. Try hardboiled eggs on a slice of whole grain toast with avocado or alongside a serving of fruit.

Try these suggestions and let us know the results! What's your favourite pre workout snack?