No matter what type of workout you enjoy, from cross training to jogging or from a boot camp class to hot yoga, fueling your body is important. Sports nutrition has come a long way, and even for those not interested in building lean muscle mass but more focused on weight loss and general fitness, having the correct nutrition pre-workout can significantly boost results.
Eating before a workout does not mean indulging in high calorie foods. It does mean eating healthy, nutritious foods with protein and complex carbs, providing sustained energy to last beyond your workout. With this combination, recovery after exercise, even with an intense strength building program or a lot of cardio, will be much faster.
These same nutritional components also promote muscle recovery after a workout. Adding healthy low calorie snacks about an hour before your time in the gym, on the field or around the track will be a benefit to your body.
The Right Carbs and Protein
Natural foods are the best source of carbohydrates and protein. Fiber is also important as it slows down digestion and allows for a more gradual release of energy over a longer period of time. Dates, oats and natural nut butter in healthy, low calorie snacks fit the bill for all of these essential components to a pre-workout bar.
A Boost of Energy
Adding a balanced amount of caffeine through the addition of roasted coffee in the energy bar is another important element of healthy, low calorie snacks. The amount of coffee, which is equivalent to what is found in a typical cup of home brewed coffee, just gives you that little edge to tackle the workout and not feel tired.
Not all energy bars and pre-workout snacks offer these benefits. Take the time to know what is in your energy bar and make a healthy choice, you will notice a difference.