Best Pre-Workout Meal
High Protein Meals
Whether you're trying to lose weight or put on muscle, you need to eat before you work out. Now, this may seem counterintuitive if you're trying to reduce your caloric intake but your body needs fuel just as your car needs gas.
If you are pressed for time and you can grab a quick, protein-heavy nutritious meal from the gas station en route to the gym.
Here are the best preworkout snacks you can buy at your local gas station.
Peanuts, Almonds, and Cashews
Nuts are typically very high in protein and relatively low in calories. However, you do need to be wary of the sodium inside most pre-packaged cashews.
I typically take a handful or so into my hand and run water over the nuts to rinse off some of the excess salt. Sure the flavor will take a hit but its better than raising your blood pressure!
Here are some nut products that make good preworkout snacks.
7-Select Go Smart! Snack Mix, Fit Fuel
Ingredients: Edamame, Raisins, Almonds, Dark Chocolate, and Pepitas
Raisins are gross and I think the only reason they appear in so many snacks is that they are cheap to make and provide filler. Conspiracy theories aside, the almonds and dark chocolate present in this snack provides enough fuel to get you through your cardio or strength training session.
Rx Bars
Ingredients: Egg Whites, Peanuts, Dates
Rx Bars don't taste very good in my opinion. They are, however, a great preworkout snack that is free from preservatives and other additives that are in most snacks at the gas station. Pair this one with a tasty beverage like a Monster or Celcius to mask some of the blandness of the bar.
Mega Omega Trail Mix
Ingredients: Cranberries, Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts, Mangos
I love trail mixes that don't have raisins. Mega Omega instead includes cranberries and dried mangos as their dehydrated fruit of choice. This a great combination of protein and Omega-3s that also tastes amazing.
Given the number of high-quality ingredients, the calorie count is on the higher side at 290. So, if you are cutting weight eat half the bag!
If you don't like peanuts or have an allergy, fret not! There are still plenty of items at your local gas station that'll give you sufficient nutrition for your workout.
Meats and Cheeses
Meat is an obvious choice for a preworkout meal. Beef jerkies and various other dehydrated meats are readily available at most stations.
If you are fortunate enough to be next to a gas station that serves non-stale hot foods, grab some meatballs or chicken.
Here are some meats and cheeses that make tasty pre workout treats.
7 Eleven Meatballs
Ingredients: Just meat, I hope!
7-Eleven makes some great meatballs. These little balls of meat are also relatively cheap and packed with protein and carbohydrates. There is a little BBQ sauce on them but you can always wipe it off if you don't like it.
Jack Links Original Beef and Pepper Jack Cheese Stick
Ingredients: Beef, Water, Milk, Jalapeno Peppers, Enzymes, and a few other odd things
Beef jerky and cheese pair very well. It's kind of like eating a cold hamburger (which sounded a lot more appealing in my head). A full package will give you 280 calories and 19 grams of protein.
These meals are delicious but relatively high in calories and fat. If your goal is to lose weight, then these healthy gas station foods are a much better pick.
Gas Station Fruit
You should always pay attention to the fruit and vegetables you buy. Most of the time, produce is uncovered which makes it more susceptible to germs and whatever gross things are on people's hands.
Inspecting and washing your fruit is even more important when you buy them from gas stations. Since these items are not as fast selling as others, produce may sit on the shelves long passed their prime.
One you find and wash your fruit, here are some easy preworkout meals you can make.
Peanut Butter and Bananas
Ingredients: Peanut Butter and Bananas
Fruits like bananas are great for preworkout energy and taste great with a spoonful or two of peanut butter. Be sure not to overdo it on the peanut butter though as too much can add excess calories.
I typically cut my banana vertically to split it in half and then spread a spoonful of butter as far as I can.
Strawberries and Dark Chocolate
Ingredients: A couple strawberries and a few squares of dark chocolate
Chocolate-covered strawberries taste great but depending on the type of chocolate used and the serving size, it may not be the healthiest dish.
To make this meal healthier grab some strawberries (probably in a box of assorted fruits) and few squares of Hershey's dark chocolate. Cut the strawberry in half and place the dark chocolate in the middle.
Then, you'll have a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich to get you through that cardio session you're dreading.
Eating before you work out is a wonderful way to naturally boost your energy and ensure you get the most out of your exercise. Whether your goal is to get more slender or to look like '04 Brock Lesnar, the right preworkout meal will you get there.
Posted by: Matt Irving on 02/13/2023
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