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5 Healthy Whole-Food Pre-Workout Snacks

Before a hard workout, it’s easy to perk up your energy levels with a pre-workout powder or get some much-needed protein from a whey protein shake. However, sometimes it’s nice to mix it up and tick both boxes by eating something delicious instead.

In this article, I share with you 5 recipes for healthy, whole-food pre-workout snacks that I’ve really liked. Enjoy!

Eggs in a Basket

eggs-in-basket

Picture courtesy of Food.com

 

Without the sides of hash potatoes and sausage, this brunch classic makes a healthy and delicious snack.

Directions

Use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a cup) to cut out the middles of two slices of sprouted wheat bread (my favorite is Ezekiel bread).

Heat a skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 tsp. of butter, and add bread.

In the holes in the bread slices, add 1/2 tsp. butter and melt. Crack one large egg in the center of each slice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.When the egg white is set, carefully flip over the bread so as to keep the yolk inside.

Toast the two extra bread rounds. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 373 calories

Protein: 23 grams

Carbs: 35 grams

Fat: 16 grams

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Peanut Butter & Banana Parfait

peanut-butter-banana-parfait

Picture courtesy of The Smart Kitchen

 

This simple snack is popular with the knee-high crowd, but it’s also a great way to fill up without feeling overly full.

Directions

One large banana and a tablespoon of chunky peanut butter equal 215 calories, but for a more substantial snack, they can be turned into a decadent yogurt parfait.

Swirl the peanut butter into 6 oz. non-fat Greek yogurt. Layer the bananas and yogurt in a bowl with 2 Tbsp. old-fashioned rolled oats. Top with a dash of cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 361 calories

Protein: 25 grams

Carbs: 50 grams

Fat: 10 grams

 

Brown Rice Protein Pudding

brown-rice-protein-pudding

Picture courtesy of Lilyella

 

Rice pudding is a delicious, healthy dessert, but this naturally sweetened version is an excellent pre-workout snack too. It takes a while to make, but this recipe makes six servings and will be just as tasty cold as it is warm.

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup brown rice and 4 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk to a boil. Simmer over medium-low heat until the rice has absorbed the liquid, about 45 minutes. Stir regularly.

Then to make a natural syrup, soak 2 cups pitted dates in 1/2 cup boiling water for 15 minutes. Blend or puree until the mixture becomes smooth.

Once rice is ready, add 2 scoops unflavored whey protein powder, date syrup, 1 cup toasted slivered almonds, 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp. almond extract, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 calories

Protein: 13 grams

Carbs: 51 grams

Fat: 12 grams

 

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Egg White Whipped Oatmeal

egg-white-whipped-oatmeal

Picture courtesy of Can You Say For Dinner?

 

Early to bed, early to rise? If you need a hearty breakfast before a morning workout, or before commuting on two wheels to work, this bowl of healthy oatmeal will do the trick. And there’s no added sugar!

Directions

Over medium-high heat, simmer add 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats and 1 1/3 cups water, about four minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring often.

In a small bowl, whip 4 egg whites and 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract until frothy. Once the oats have absorbed most of the liquid, add egg mixture and whip with a heavy spoon.

Bring heat back up to medium, and add 1/2 tablespoon of salted butter. Keep on heat at a simmer for another 4 minutes, until creamy, and then cover the pot to let oats finish cooking for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 374 calories

Protein: 24 grams

Carbs: 44 grams

Fat: 11 grams

  

Sweet Potato Matchsticks & Beef Jerky

sweet-potato-fries

Picture courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

 

These thin fries are a great way to get some healthy carbs before you exercise. Pop them in a tall cup, and you can snack on these fresh-from-the-oven sweet potato matchsticks as you drive to the gym. Pair with a couple ounces of organic beef jerky for a salty snack that’ll prepare you for a serious workout.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F, and cut a medium sweet potato in half lengthwise. Cut both pieces into 1/4-inch thick strips, and on a large baking sheet roll the matchsticks in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.

Spread out thin sweet potato strips in a single layer, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bake for a half hour, or until crispy. Season with sumac or paprika.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 313 calories

Protein: 26 grams

Carbs: 36 grams

Fats: 9 grams

 

What did you think of these healthy pre-workout snacks? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!

 

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Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money. But! We're also hustling to improve our international logistics and will be passing our savings along to our international customers.

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