Pre-Gym Snacks: Save Money on Protein Bars and Whey
Many individuals will turn to expensive protein shakes or bars to fuel the body during a workout, but there are high protein foods providing exactly the same energy boost. Nuts, seeds, and dairy produce are rich in protein and a perfect addition pre and post workout. This article presents a selection of healthy pre-gym snacks, and discusses how they support and replenish the body, whilst saving the gym-user money.
Protein Rich Power Foods
Raw nuts and seeds are wonderful to consume before a workout, but small packets of nuts and seeds can work out to be more expensive. Instead, head to a local cash and carry and buy a bag of almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and toasted corn. This generous selection will last months, so while the investment may seem expensive at the time, the muscles will be thankful for the essential fatty acids, protein and energy that the nuts and seeds produce.
After purchasing the nut and seed varieties, add them to an old biscuit tin, and shake the tin thoroughly. Before a gym workout, put a handful of nuts and seeds into a small sandwich bag. Almonds are especially nutritious, plus they pack the most protein per nut. Essential fatty acids in the nuts and seeds help the body to remove excess saturated fats in the body, whilst protein fuels the muscles during the workout. Corn nuts are crunchy and supply adequate sodium, as sodium levels can deplete during perspiration and must be replenished. Isotonic sports drinks contain small levels of sodium, but they could work out expensive when purchased for each workout.
Healthy Protein Packed Smoothie
Whey protein shakes are sold in supermarkets, health food stores and chemists, but here is a tasty way to supply the body with excellent energy. Grab a blender; add 1 banana, two tablespoons of probiotic yoghurt, 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds, 1 tablespoon of smooth or crunchy peanut butter, 250ml of semi or skimmed milk, and blend well for 30 to 60 seconds.
All ingredients can be purchased from a grocery store. Bananas contain complex carbohydrates to provide a steady release of energy during a workout. The addition of flax seeds, peanut butter, yoghurt and milk supplies the body with protein. Flax seeds and peanut butter also contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, whilst assisting the body to burn off saturated fats.
Other Delicious High Protein Snacks
A bowl of muesli with yoghurt is a fantastic pre-gym snack. Yoghurt contains protein, which supplies with muscles with energy, plus muesli is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates to prevent the body from experiencing a dip in energy.
Peanut butter spread on rice cakes is also an excellent pre-gym snack. Buy the rice cakes made with brown rice for additional fiber. Peanut butter contains monounsaturated fats and protein to energize the muscles, and to increase satiety in the brain.
What is also important to know before attending the gym is the length of a workout. The first thirty minutes of a workout is fuelled by carbohydrate. After this time, the body can turn to muscle mass to maintain the workout. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a great way to maintain muscle mass. However, if an individual has eaten a protein-rich snack before a workout, the body should experience no problems.
Eat these snacks 30 to 60 minutes prior to a workout. This gives the body sufficient time to digest the carbohydrates, proteins and fats. While each snack may take several minutes to prepare, they are energizing, tasty, and far cheaper than pricy protein bars.
To Summarize
Pre-gym snacks are often sold in the gym. Protein bars or shakes can cost approximately $3 to $6 per product, but there are healthier and cheaper ways to fuel a workout. Nuts and seeds are excellent pre-gym snacks, as are bananas blended with flax seeds, yoghurt, peanut butter and milk.