Working out on an empty stomach? 5 pre-workout meals you can choose from!

Whether you are a regular at the gym or a beginner, planning food around your workout routine can be confusing. Cardio when fasting has been a diet trend, but it may hinder your energy levels in some forms of exercise and disrupt the workout routine. While you do need to eat something to keep your energy going for the workout, too much food can make you feel sluggish and bloated during the workout.

So do you work out on an empty stomach or snack on something that elevates your workout routine? Here are 5 pre-workout meals that will pave the way for a great workout!

Miten Kakaiya, fitness coach and founder of Miten Says Fitness, says, “Bananas are nature’s power bar! It is loaded with simple carbs for fuel and potassium, which helps in optimal muscle and nerve function. Apple is full of fiber. Pick a fruit, add some nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter and sprinkle some pumpkin or sesame seeds for a simple but healthy snack that keeps you full and energized.”

For people who like to really eat well before a workout, oatmeal can be your go-to. Whip up oats and some mixed-berries to soak overnight and top it off with some fresh yogurt in the morning for a quick meal. It provides sustained energy for longer workouts. You can also add protein powder to oatmeals, to fill up the protein quotient.

Whole fruit smoothies can be your body’s source of energy for high-intensity workouts. Just whirl an apple with peanut butter, oats, flax seeds, and water, or go for a mix of avocado, mixed berries, cashew, and water. Smoothies can be a light snack that doesn’t make you feel bloated and at the same time gives you energy for a high-intensity workout.

“Yogurt provides protein to prevent muscle breakdown. Berries and granola are quick-digesting carbs that fuel your workout. As a simple snack, you can strain excess water off your yogurt or use greek yogurt and top it off with some fresh berries and homemade granola. This is a wholesome snack to fuel your workout,” advises Kakaiya.

Cottage cheese is a power-packed breakfast that contains healthy amounts of whey protein and casein. Casein is a slow-digesting protein that fuels your muscles for long and helps them recover and grow. Whey protein on the other hand is an essential bodybuilder for muscles. Adding some apricots over cottage cheese makes it a high-protein low-carb snack that can help you boost muscle growth in each workout.

When confused about what you should eat before a workout, try a high-protein low-carb snack and your energy levels will never dip.