Somehow if I workout in the morning, I’m fine with just a cup of coffee in my belly. But if I workout later in the day I need something warm, carb-rich and filling to keep my energy level up enough to kill it at the gym. My go-to pre-workout snack: sweet potato almond butter mash. It may not look pretty, but it tastes absolutely magnificent! The combination of carbs, protein and fat keep me satisfied and energized long after my workout. I always add cinnamon and a bit of coarse sea salt 1) because it tastes great and 2) because if I’m planning to sweat – which I usually am – I like to eat a bit of salt to keep my sodium level stable. An added tidbit: if you’re following a low-carb diet, you’re losing more sodium related to the high protein intake… I could get really sciency here, but I’ll spare you. Just trust, a little extra sodium is not a bad thing if you’re dripping through your workouts.
In addition to the energy boost it provides, this snack is also loaded with vitamins and minerals, all of which help your body function at its best while warding off illness. Sweet potatoes are a fabulous source of fiber, vitamin C, B6, magnesium and beta carotene. They taste amazing no matter how you prepare them! Almond butter is one of my all-time favorite nutrient-rich foods. It’s a great source of protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. It’s so rich, creamy and satisfying and it pairs well with pretty much every fruit and even some veggies like celery and carrots.
What are your favorite pre-workout snacks?
Your RD,
Jenny
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