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Coach-Approved Pre-Workout Snacks

There’s tons of advice on what to eat before a workout. While the snacks vary, the consensus is this: carbs plus protein, two to three hours before the gym.

There’s tons of advice out there on what to eat before you work out. And while the snacks definitely vary, the consensus is this: carbs plus protein, two to three hours before you hit the gym. That way your body is fueled, energized, and ready to work!

While knowing when to eat before a workout is easy, knowing what to eat is more complicated – and comes with a lot more options. From protein bars to pre-workout shakes to a good old-fashioned apple with peanut butter, there’s a lot of choices out there. You ultimately have to choose what’s right for your workout and your body, and it might take a bit of experimentation to find a snack that leaves you feeling energized but not overly full. Here’s a few of our coaches’ favorite pre-workout snacks to get you started.

· A homemade smoothie.
Coach Gloria of AF Joshua, TX

· Pretzel bites filled with peanut butter.
Coach Matt of AF Fernandina Beach, FL

· Applesauce.
Coach Jessica R. of AF Minooka, IL

· Half of a bagel with avocado and one fried egg.
Coach Krista P. of AF Arlington, WA

· A rice cake with peanut butter.
Coach Charles W. of AF Grenada, MS

· Flavored rice cake or dried fruit
Coach Meredith R. of AF Kannapolis, NC

· Fig bars.
Coach Angela S. of AF Saint Francisville, LA

· A blend of egg whites and oats. It’s a quick way to get in all my nutrients, fiber, lean protein, and healthy carbs!
Coach Tyler G. of AF Los Lunas NM

· Avocado toast or toast with banana slices and nut butter.
Coach Misty M. of AF Scottsboro, AL

· Almonds.
Coach Jeff H. of AF Windermere, FL

· Hard-boiled eggs.
Coach Alicia C. of AF Opelika, AL

· A banana, blueberry, pineapple, and kale smoothie.
Coach Narvareaz C. of AF Thomasville, GA

· An apple and Greek yogurt.
Coach Chloe D. of AF Mishawaka, IN

· Puffed rice mixed with peanut butter and protein powder.
Coach Kristie N. of AF Blair, NE

· Granola bars.
Coach Michael M. of AF Thomasville, GA

· Eggs with oatmeal and fruit.
Coach Mark F. of AF Abbeville, LA

· A banana.
Coach Aaron T. of AF Floresville, TX

· A handful of nuts and fruit.
Coach Nanci B. of AF Prescott Valley, AZ

· A protein bar.
Coach Aaron L of AF East Bloomington, MN

· A strawberry banana oat smoothie with a scoop of protein powder.
Coach Will H. of AF Philadelphia, PA