6 Power Foods to Fuel Your Workout

6 Power Foods to Fuel Your Workout

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Working out vigorously can take its toll on the body, especially as we get older. I am finding myself more and more fatigued after a workout versus being invigorated. We all know that a balanced diet and hydration is a must! But in addition, I’ve been researching power foods to pump energy and fuel the body for better workouts and recoveries. You’ve heard me mention over and over that I don’t do any fads or gimmick dieting, no vitamin shakes or supplements…just my choice but I don’t knock those who do use that stuff. I’m just a no pain, no gain, type of girl, workout harder than you eat (Got that from my Hubs) and you’ll get the results you want. So anyways, I really just wanted to find foods that would give me more energy versus a supplement or shake.

I didn’t want foods that I’ve never heard of or have never tried…just practical stuff that I already had around the house or that I could easily grab from the grocery store. So here are 6 power foods that you probably already have around your house that you can use to power up for your workout:

Almonds – Great for curving your appetite and giving you energy. I keep a family size bag of these in the pantry. I actually didn’t know they were a power food but did know you could eat them to curve cravings or appetite. I eat them as a snack and on my salads.

Raisins – They are yummy and are said to improve performance. Another staple that we have in the pantry that I use on my salads.

Eggs – Protein packed and contains iron. It’s only a matter of cooking them prior to working out!

Bananas – We keep bananas in the house and I usually eat them after a hard workout to prevent muscle cramping. However, you can eat one 20-30 minutes prior to working out for an energy boost.

Chocolate Milk – I’ve drunk chocolate milk once or twice after a workout…it’s yummy that’s for sure. It just doesn’t seem right because its chocolate I guess, but its benefits are undeniable: protein and carbs for muscle recovery, and it contains water and calcium!

Apples – Our youngest loves apples so we try to keep these on hand. You can slice these up and spread on some peanut butter for a yummy before workout treat. The Vitamins, minerals and good carbs they contain help to boost energy.

Peanut Butter – I had to add this one because it’s been my go to after workouts lately. The fat contained in peanuts provide extra energy to burn during workouts so why not eat a tablespoon before!

So which one will you choose before your next workout?