5 Healthy Snacks to Keep in Your Gym Bag
Okay, put down the Cheetos because that’s not the kind of energy snack that belongs in your workout routine. However, it is good to carry along some nutritional and tasty treats in your gym bag at all times. It’s one thing to be active and move the body, but it’s also important to feed it the proper fuel. What you don’t want to tote along into the gym are the go-to snacks filled with fattening sugars, fillers, and preservatives. A little protein, fat, and fiber never hurt anyone, and here are our healthy favorites to try next time you dig into your gym bag.
Bananas
When you’re starting to develop the hunger pangs after an amazing workout, a banana or two will do the trick. What’s great about the yellow-skinned fruit is its portability for your gym bag. Having a fresh banana is never messy and provides the muscle-friendly potassium and carbs combo that your body’s looking for. You could bring a little cup of peanut butter to go with the fruit. A banana is a very good choice for a post-workout snack. Here’s another positive. A banana spikes the metabolic rate, thereby melting your belly fat.
Nuts
It’s easy to go overboard when consuming nuts because they’re small, yummy and amazingly crunchy. The best way to reign in your obsession is by limiting your nuts and carrying them in a small bag to take to the gym. In other words, eat a handful or two.
The right nuts deliver nutritional protein, fiber, and healthy fats and can be a satisfying snack. Expert bodybuilders recommend five nuts that do a body good: Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews are the leading nuts for the best energizing boost. Take a different bag of nuts each time your head for a workout. A post-fitness refuel is key because it aids in replenishing glycogen stores and ensures a speedy recovery.
Protein Bars
If you work out, then you get it about the protein factor. You need it to support muscle recovery and growth. A protein bar is an effective way to get the right stuff into your body.
You could also enjoy your fill of protein bars by purchasing them in bulk or getting wholesale protein bars. These are super-healthy and easy to find room in your gym bag as ready-to-go.
You’ll get awesome nutritional value and the right kind of fuel your muscles are begging for, and a solid form of protein can help you replenish your amino acid levels quickly. Try and avoid protein bars that feature artificial coloring or preservatives. You don’t want to choose bars filled with an abundance of sweeteners, either. High fructose corn syrup is another that can add to your waistline rather than decrease it.
Yogurt
This is another superb snack you can keep in your gym bag and enjoy after a workout. You can place the yogurt container into your freezer for about 20 minutes before you head to the gym. That way, you can keep it cool as it sits in your gym bag. You could also place the yogurt in a small insulated bag to keep it fresh while you hit the gym. Plain yogurt packed with a little fresh fruit inside is a filling snack and loaded with fortifying goodness. You’re getting protein, carbohydrates, good fats, calcium, vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals. Yogurt is excellent for both the bones and, muscles, and here’s another fantastic tip: Greek yogurt has twice as much protein as regular yogurt.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Talk about inexpensive, easy to take with you, and super-nutritious. Hard-boiled eggs never disappoint. Eggs are an ideal post-workout snack containing a high amount of protein (6 grams in one) and all of the essential amino acids your body needs for repair. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to make, a quick snack to chow down on and simply delicious. Add a few crunchy carrots for an additional healthy treat.
It’s inspiring to see people working out and staying active, but it’s just as important to consider the food we give our bodies. If you add these 5 healthy snacks to your gym bag, you’ll be rewarding your physique with the proper post-fitness refuel.