Best meals before gym time?

Best meals before gym time? Lets see my  top five picks.

Gym bag packed, water bottle ready, both shoes found (score!) … but are you forgetting something? When it comes to working out, eating before you go can keep your blood sugar steady. That means plenty of energy for cardio and strength training.

Nutrition tip: Mix protein, healthy fats and a bit of good carbs. And sure, throw in some healthy desserts after (you’ve earned it!). Here are my top picks for what to eat right before a workout.

1. Whole grain toast, peanut or almond butter and banana slices

There’s a reason that runners love their post-race bananas — the fruit is packed with simple carbs, natural sugars and, best of all, potassium. That electrolyte helps prevent muscle cramps and can be lost through sweat. Peanut or almond butter has healthy fat, and the toast is all about blood-sugar-steadying complex carbs.

2. Chicken thighs, rice and steamed vegetables

Looking for the best meal before gym time? Consider this classic, which blends protein and complex carbs. Plus, the fiber in the veggies helps with digestion. Choosing chicken thighs over breasts is a personal preference, but dark meat has more of the good fat you need to keep from getting hangry during your workout.   

3. Oatmeal, protein powder and blueberries

The complex carbs in oatmeal are broken down in your system slowly, which means more sustained energy. Up the nutrition by adding a scoop of protein powder. Fruit like blueberries, raspberries or cherries contain antioxidants — super helpful substances that help to prevent cell damage. Also: delicious.

4. Scrambled eggs, veggies and avocado  

Go ahead, use the whole egg. They’re packed with high-quality protein and, if you’re including the yolk, you’ll get all eight essential amino acids. Those boost muscle building and recovery. Avocado gives you that healthy fat fix, and the veggies are nutrient-rich powerhouses, no matter which you pick.

5. Protein smoothie 

Protein powder is a must — but after that, go for what you like best. Milk or almond milk, mixed berries, bananas, peanut butter, avocado, even some leafy greens are all fair game. You’ll get fast-digesting carbs, plus those healthy fats and protein.