Megan Roup, a former Brooklyn Nets dancer who now trains celebrities, shared her three favorite energy-boosting pre-workout snacks: chia pudding, carrots and hummus, and peanut butter and jelly. She loves chia pudding made with chia seeds, almond milk, and blueberries for an afternoon snack. Chia seeds are known for their health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, fighting inflammation, supporting weight loss, and boosting energy. Blueberries are also nutrient-rich and aid in reducing inflammation, facilitating muscle recovery, and suppressing fatigue while supporting brain function.
For those looking to try a protein-rich chia pudding, a Los Angeles bariatric coach who lost 70 pounds in three months recommends a “secret recipe.” Meanwhile, other fitness enthusiasts, including Roup, opt for carrots and hummus as a pre-workout snack. Registered dietitian nutritionist, Kara Lydon, suggests choosing a combination of simple, unrefined carbohydrates for quick fuel and a small amount of protein, fiber, or fat for lasting energy during a workout. Carrots provide simple carbs for fast fuel, while hummus offers fiber for sustained energy throughout the workout.
Apart from chia pudding and carrots with hummus, Roup also enjoys “good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly” as a pre-workout snack. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are popular among runners, with Women’s Running Magazine deeming them an underrated running snack. Whole wheat bread provides essential vitamins, fiber, and carbs, while jelly offers easily digestible simple carbs and sugars. Peanut butter contributes protein and healthy fats, making it a balanced snack for sustained energy.
Overall, these pre-workout snacks are chosen for their nutrient content and ability to provide quick fuel and lasting energy for workouts. Roup’s choices of chia pudding, carrots and hummus, and peanut butter and jelly are popular among fitness enthusiasts and athletes for their balanced combination of macronutrients. Whether seeking a protein-rich option like chia pudding or a simple yet effective snack like carrots and hummus, these choices offer a variety of flavors and textures to suit different preferences. Ultimately, the right pre-workout snack can make a significant difference in performance and energy levels during exercise.
