If you’re a person who thrives on exercise, your pre- and post-workout snacks are the most important meals of your day. Proper nutrition helps fuel your body before you exercise and helps it recover when you are finished. You want snacks that won’t lay heavy on your stomach, but you also don’t want to feel hunger pangs while you’re trying to concentrate on your fitness goals. Here are 40 great ideas for pre- and post-workout snacks to try.
Pre-Workout
- Cha-Cha Coconut Shake
Blend 1 scoop of Chocolate Whey Protein with 2 teaspoons of organic extra virgin coconut oil and 8 ounces cold water. - Dressed Up Oats
Top 1/2 cup steel cut oats with 1 tablespoon dried fruit and 1 tablespoon slivered almonds for a pre-workout carb kick. - Yogurt Parfait
Layer 1/4 cup nonfat yogurt, 1/2 cup whole grain cereal and 1/2 cup fresh berries of your choice. - Chocolate Muffin
Lift your mood and fuel up at the same time. High in fiber and low in gluten, a chocolate multi-grain muffin is an excellent pre-workout choice. - Corn Tortilla Chips with Mexican Dip
Choose baked corn tortillas or veggie chips and dip made from low fat mayonnaise, chili flakes and spicy jalapeños.
Photo Credit: 123RF - Apples
Slice up 1 large apple, thoroughly washed. They are loaded with Vitamin C and E and are also a great source of fiber. - The Healthy Peanut Butter Cup
Mix 1/2 cup cook steel cut oats with 1 teaspoon powdered peanut butter, 1 envelope Stevia and a sprinkle of cocoa on top. - Dried Fruit
For a quick pre-workout kick, eat 1/4 cup dried fruit—berries, pineapple, mango or apricot are best. - Fruit and Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is low in calories and high in protein. Serve 1/2 cup with fresh melon, berries or pineapple. - Rice con leche
Fuel your workout with 1/2 cup cooked rice, covered with 1/2 cup milk, a few raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon to top it off. - Vegetable Omelet
For a colorful shot of energy, whisk 2 eggs with 1 teaspoon water, and cook with 1 cup of sautéed vegetables.
Photo Credit: 123RF - Yogurt with Trail Mix
For a pre-run kick that’s easy on the tummy, mix 1 cup low-fat yogurt with 1/4 trail mix (but skip the mixes with unhealthy fillers like chocolate chips—sorry!). - Hearty Salad
Mix 1 cup salad greens with assorted fresh, seasonal veggies, 1 hard-boiled egg, and top with extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice. - The “Wafflewich”
Top a frozen whole grain waffle with 2 tablespoons natural nut butter and top it with 1 teaspoon of jam. - Chicken and Yams
Grab a palm-sized portion of sliced chicken (2-4 ounces) and the same amount of cooked yams or sweet potatoes (the new superfood). - Fruit Leather
Eat a single serving of fruit leather for a nostalgic pre-workout snack. - The Classic Fruit Cup
For a quick and simple snack, combine 1 cup of fresh berries, banana, melon and orange. - Wheat Pasta
Low in gluten and high in carbs, serve with white or red sauce. - Protein Drinks
For a good course of protein and amino acid, drink a pre-made protein drink, or blend one up at home. - Eggs N’ Toast
Slice up a hard-boiled egg and serve on a slice of wholewheat toast for a hearty snack.
Post-Workout
- Minty Pea Dip with Pretzel Bites
Grab a bag of store-bought pretzel bites, then steam frozen peas. Mash the peas until smooth and add chopped mint leaves for a refreshing snack. - Tuna Salad On Bagel
Mix low-fat mayo with canned tuna in water. Add chopped garlic, scallions, green chilies and cilantro. - Quinoa and Chicken Mix
Sear boneless chicken breast in olive oil then allow to cool. Prepare quinoa and veggies separately and blend everything together with a protein-filled treat. - Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Make your favorite pancake batter, cook pancakes until golden, then top with maple syrup, and sliced fruit for a great energy boost. - Green Smoothie
Blend a fist-full of fresh spinach with vanilla flavored low-fat yogurt, 1 cup almond or coconut milk, and 1 banana for a tasty shake. - Bananas and Peanut Butter on Toast
Start your post workout recovery with 1-2 tablespoons all natural nut butter and 1/2 sliced banana served on top of 1 slice of whole wheat toast.
Photo Credit: 123RF - Strawberry Peach Smoothie
Filled with fiber and nutrients, smoothies are a “can’t miss” when it comes to after-exercise treats. Combine 4 fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 small peach, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 cup ice in a blender, then pulse until smooth. - Apples with Nut Butter
Slice up 1 medium apple and serve with 2 tablespoons of natural almond, cashew, or peanut butter for a recovery pick-me-up. - The Refuel Feast
It sounds like a lot, but try 200 grams cooked salmon, a handful of fresh egg noodles, a few broccoli florets, 1/2 sliced red pepper, and a heaping tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, tossed together. - Grilled Chicken with Mixed Vegetables
Help your body recover with 4 ounces grilled chicken breast and a handful sliced veggies, sautéed in olive oil. - Chocolate Milk
For a healthy shot of carbs and protein, drink 1 to 2 cups of low-fat chocolate milk. - Salmon with Sweet Potato
Cook 1 small sweet potato until done. Sear 4 ounces fresh salmon. Serve together with salt and pepper to taste. - Jerky
Beef, buffalo, or turkey is complete protein, plus jerky contains B vitamins and iron. 40g of beef jerky has about 14g of protein, but a good post-workout amount to aid in muscle recovery is about 10 to 15g. - Scrambled Eggs
Whisk 2-3 whole eggs and toss in onion and bell pepper. Serve with whole wheat toast as a sandwich or alone. - Avocado with Cottage Cheese
Remove the pit from a ripe avocado and fill with cottage cheese. Avocados are fortified with amino acids, Vitamins C and E, Zinc and Selenium.
Photo Credit: 123RF - Chicken Hash
In a pan, sautée 1 cup pre-cooked chicken, 1/2 cup butternut squash, 1 medium apple, salt, pepper and oil. Make extra for later and store it in the refrigerator. - Apples and Cheese
Slice up 1 medium apple and serve with 1 stick low-fat string cheese. - Black Bean Omelet
Whisk up 4 egg whites and cook with 1 ounce cottage cheese and 1/4 can black beans for a protein-packed recovery snack. - Loaded English Muffin
Create your own fast-food breakfast sandwich with 1 egg, fresh spinach, 1 slice low fat cheese and 1 slice Canadian bacon on an English muffin. - Milk and Cereal
What’s easier than serving up 1 cup of low-fat milk and 1 cup of your favorite whole grain cereal?
Eat Right Today!
Are you eating the right foods to get you started on your workouts and to help you recover and repair your tired muscles when you are finished? Try these great snack ideas or add a healthy twist of your own. Either way, your body will thank you!
