Pre-workout snacks

Exercising on an empty stomach is not a good idea. Firstly you have little energy for optimal training and secondly, your body needs food to help kick start the engine for good digestion. It is nonsense that you burn more calories by not eating before a workout. In contrast you need to have something in your belly to help the fat burning process.

Now that I’ve spoken sternly to you, I need to confess that there are times when I do skip it. Especially before an early morning jog. Usually I drink a glass of lemon water and grab a few unroasted nuts. That’s it.

‘It can’t be all that bad’ I thought. Recently I read that if you eat before a workout that during the day your energy level significantly goes up. Your immune system works much better and keeps your blood sugar stable (less chance of sugar cravings). Enough reason for me to get out of bed a bit earlier to eat something. It doesn’t have to be a full plate, just something something in your tummy that is nutritious and easily digestible.

Tips for a pre-workout snack

• Small bowl of cottage cheese with half a banana and some flax seeds.

• Rice cake with peanut butter.

• A grapefruit and a boiled egg.

• Bowl of oatmeal with almond milk and blueberries.

• Green smoothie with spinach, banana, blueberries and coconut water.