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You guys the truth is, no one has time. I know, I don’t! Our family schedule is very full and there is zero time. period. So basically I’m always on the go, thus I’m writing this post “20 pre-workout snacks to fuel moms on the go” mostly for me and modern mamas like me that are literally always moving.

What’s the best food to eat before a workout? This is a question I get often because the last thing an mom needs is to feel sluggish and weighed down from food before working out.

Do you have to eat before working?

Don’t like to eat pre-workout? That’s okay, I can’t say I ALWAYS fuel up before exercise, but that call always depends on the duration, intensity and type of workout.

For example, when I trained for marathons and triathlons, eating sustaining foods before a two hour plus workout is a must!

But I have to me more careful about what I eat before a HIIT workout like CrossFit or CycleBar or certain Peloton classes, if I want to keep it down and avoid cramping.

Reason being is when you workout, especially at a high intensity, the body sends blood to working muscles and if you’ve just eaten a meal, it’s trying to break down that food too so the stomach competes for blood flow to allow for digestion and that leads to GI upset.

For lower intensity workouts like walking and short runs, I listen to my hunger, and will eat when I’m hungry and don’t usually have to worry about the type of food I eat right before these types of workouts.

I can assure you that skipping the pre-workout meal isn’t the best strategy if you have performance in mind. We just have to figure out the right formula for your body, and train your gut for optimal fuel. Everyone has a different tolerance level for food before exercise, so experiment with what works best for you during training. 

A pre workout meal is meant to keep you’re tummy from grumbling during exercise, and to sustain your body to keep blood glucose stable, all while fueling your working muscles. 

Foods high in saturated fats and high fiber or gassy foods are likely to lead to an upset stomach because they are harder to digest. Eat foods that sit well on your stomach, easy to digest, and make sure that you allow enough time for digestion.

When I was on the triathlon team in college, my mainstays were peanut butter bagels and of course hotel coffee. Bagels and peanut butter are so easy to pack in a travel bag! 

Do you have a tried and true pre-workout meal?

If you don’t have a clue where to start when it comes to nourishing and energizing pre-workout snacks, this list of 20 Pre Workout Snacks to Fuel Busy Moms on the Go is for you!

Eggs

Spinach and Ricotta Quiche Muffins

Ham Spinach Egg Cups 

Veggie Breakfast Bowl 

Smoothies

Hidden Veggie Chocolate Coffee Shake

Green Power Smoothie

Peaches N Cream Protein Shake

Matcha Green Tea Smoothie

Breads

Avocado Toast with Kale Sprouts 

Veggie Breakfast Toasts

Almond Butter Banana Oat Muffins 

Peanut Butter Protein Pancakes

Fruit

Stuffed Dates with Almond Butter

Banana with Nut Butter

Dried or freeze dried fruit

Energy Bites

Almond Butter Energy Bites

Peppermint Mocha Energy Bites

Cookie Dough Energy Bites

Bees Knees Energy Bites

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Power Balls 

Irresistible Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls 

Workout smarter not harder, right?? Fueling up with the right energy sources before your workout cultivates higher energy levels and the potential to be more efficient with your movement of choice!

If you love these snack ideas and recipes be sure to check out some of my other sports nutrition posts for tips, tricks, and snacks! Because who doesn’t love snacks??

And if you’re a new mom, trying to feed a little one too …be sure to check out my post on How To Feed Peanut Butter to Baby: 8 ways on early introduction to peanuts.