Pre-Workout Snacks for Maximum Energy

Getting ready to pump some iron or hike an outdoor trail? Besides warming up and stretching, you may also want a snack to feel good and get ready for your workout. But what are the best foods to eat before a workout so you can maximize your energy?

Here we’ll help you understand how to power up properly, whether you only have 30 minutes before working out or several hours. Plus, we have a variety of energizing snacks to choose from for your next workout session!

What Gives You Energy While Working Out?

When you’re looking for an energizing snack to fuel your workout, carbs are your best friend. According to the Mayo Clinic, carbs fuel your brain and muscles. Eating a carbohydrate-focused snack can help you achieve optimal blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels.

Why are blood glucose levels important? Glucose is your body’s primary source of energy. When you eat carbs, your body’s digestive system breaks them down into glucose. This gives your body enough energy to accomplish those workout gains. If your blood glucose levels get too low, you can feel dizzy, tired and hungry.

It’s also important to have some protein before working out. Foods high in protein provide the amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscle. While more protein should be consumed after working out, you can incorporate it into your pre-workout snack to help fuel your body.

Everyone is different, so finding the right energizing snack may require some experimentation. If you’re exercising for more than an hour, try making carbs the star of the show while featuring some quality protein. Discover how different foods affect your energy and endurance, and make adjustments as needed.

When to Eat Before a Workout

Besides what you eat, when you eat before exercising plays a significant role in your energy levels. It’s best not to eat right before working out so your body isn’t competing to digest and build muscle at the same time. Eating immediately before exercise can also be uncomfortable for your digestive system.

Just like finding a snack that’s energizing, you’ll have to experiment a little and see what is best for you. If you work out in the morning, get up early enough to eat breakfast or an energizing snack at least 30 minutes beforehand. For later in the day, eat 30 minutes to four hours before your workout.

Is It Better to Eat Before or After a Workout?

Wondering whether to eat before or after a workout? In an ideal world, do both! Try to fuel your tank with carb-focused foods at least 30 minutes before exercising so you don’t run out of energy. After your workout, you need to replenish your energy with more protein-focused foods. 

If you can’t always eat beforehand and after, don’t worry—aim for one or the other when you’re short on time.

Benefits of Beef Jerky and Other Meat Snacks

Jerky and other meat snacks like sticks and strips have protein, sodium, and energy to enhance your workout experience.

Protein is used to build and repair muscle, an essential component of pre and post workout snacking. Jack Link’s Orginal beef jerky contains 10g of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for protein.

Needing sodium pre and post workout may seem counterintuitive, but your body requires all kinds of salts to keep it moving. Combined with hydration, sodium and electrolytes are essential to help muscles contract and retract.

Energy is also a requirement pre and post workout. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Carbohydrates are your body’s main fuel source.” Getting carbohydrates in your diet while being active is essential to maintain energy levels.

Pre-Workout Snacks

Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky

Don’t have a lot of time before you hit the gym? Then our tasty Original Beef Jerky is the way to go. Not only can you carry it with you everywhere, but you also don’t need to bother with any preparation. Just tear open the bag and fuel up!

Our Original jerky has a whopping 10 grams of protein per serving in addition to six grams of carbs. This blend of fuel can help raise your glucose levels and help power you up for your upcoming workout.

Yogurt

Plain yogurt has a nice blend of protein and carbs to help fuel you before your exercise routine. From European style to Greek yogurt, there are many options to choose from. If you don’t love the plain taste of yogurt, add some fruit or granola to create your own favorite flavor.

Fruit

Fruits are naturally high in carbs and can help you energize for exercise. If you only have 30 minutes before working out, try an apple, pear, banana or orange. Fruit can also make a great addition to your protein shake or smoothie to add extra sugars.

Protein Powder

Protein shakes with protein powder only take a few minutes to make and require minimal ingredients. Just mix protein powder with water, milk or a plant-based beverage. To add more substance, blend fruit, nut butter or leafy greens. If protein powder isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives you can try.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can be an energizing snack with an almost equal amount of carbs and protein. If you only have 30 minutes before your workout, put a spoonful or two on some toast, add it to your protein shake or spread it onto your apple or banana. 

Eggs

Hard-boiled, fried, poached or scrambled, there are endless ways to enjoy eggs. Besides being delicious, eggs are also a quality source of protein and also have a few carbs to help give you a boost.

To see how protein bars stack up, check out our blog post.

Going to Work Out? Grab a Pack of Jack Link’s Jerky!

When you know you’ll be breaking a sweat, you need to fuel up properly even when you’re short on time. Luckily, Jack Link’s beef jerky makes it easy with delicious, portable snacks. From beef sticks to classic beef jerky, we have the right snack to suit your unique needs. Get energized and shop our products today!