A good workout depends on your pre-workout fuel. If you want good results, your body needs supplies to get there. My energy level is always low, with no motivation to move if I don’t feed it right. The more energy you provide your body the more energy you’ll have to stay motivated to workout. I also believe that food choices should be cohesive with your type of workouts. Some workouts like yoga require no food at all. The oatmeal recipe I have here is my ideal choice for days spent running or high cardio routines. Carbs that are “slow burning” help control your blood sugar levels preventing you from energy crashes in the middle of workouts.
You should also have protein with your “slow burning” carbs. I usually choose Greek yogurt, egg whites or peanut butter with protein powder. If you have too many unhealthy fats your body will lose energy by spending too much time digesting those fats. Make sure your sugar comes only from fruits and no sugary treats or dessert.
I chose banana for my fruit because it’s a very easy digestion carb. The potassium level in bananas help with muscle function and repair. If you usually eat a low sodium diet your body won’t hold onto potassium easily. A lot of sodium and potassium is lost during workouts so it’s important to keep those levels up.
Oatmeal is full of fiber, keeping your energy levels constant during workouts. Oatmeal contains B vitamins that help with converting those carbs into energy. My doctor also told me that oatmeal reduces the level of body stress. Before choosing peanut butter my pick would be yogurt or egg whites, but it’s vegan month so I chose peanut butter and hazelnuts for my protein. If you are trying to lose weight, peanut butter wouldn’t be my first choice before a workout but it all depends on your type of workout. I added 1 Tbsp of ground flax seed because of the fiber content. Flax also helps with blood sugar levels.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Cup Whole Grain Oats
- 1/3 Cup Water
- 1 Tbsp Flax Seed (Ground)
- 1 Medium Banana
- 1 Large Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter
- 1 Tsp Hazelnuts
Directions:
- Microwave flax, water and oatmeal for 60 seconds in microwave or until thick.
- Slice banana and add to oatmeal
- Top with peanut butter and hazelnuts
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