HEALTH

Eating healthy isn't always affordable. It's especially tough if you're trying to grab a snack on your way home from the gym. As delicious as acai bowls are, these homemade pre and post workout foods are penny-saving perfection. Whether you have 1, 3, 5 or 30 minutes to spend on meal prep, these treats will satisfy your sweet tooth and get you out the door on time. Check out these amazing foods you should be eating before, during and after a workout.

Before
Instead of grabbing a protein shake on your way out the door, try one of these easy (and delicious) recipes. 

Honeydew Kiwifruit Smoothie
At just 110 calories per serving, this fruity smoothie has the perfect amount of protein and fiber to keep you energized throughout your workout. Each batch yields 3 servings, so it's the perfect dish to whip up before a trip to the gym with friends.

Apricot, Almond & Flaxseed Homemade Energy Bars
These fiber-filled flaxseed bars will give you loads of energy (without making you feel heavy or bloated). Homemade treats a great way to go because they're cheaper and healthier than most store-bought snacks.

Apple Peanut Butter Bites
Surprisingly, this super easy snack has 8 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber to get you gym-ready. You can substitute peanut butter for your favorite nut butter when making these tasty, kid-friendly treats. 

During
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you could do during a workout. While dehydrtaion doesn't effect exercise performance, it can make you feel groggy as you're leaving the gym. According to this recent study, sipping water when you're thirsty does more good than chugging bottles mid-workout. The takeaway: if you're feeling water sloshing around in your tummy during your sweat sesh, cut back on your water intake. A great way to hydrate before a workout without inhibiting your performance is to follow this chart. 

 

After 
It's so easy to splurge after a tough workout, but prepping these foods before your post-workout crash will save you from fast food temptation.  

Honey Balsamic Grilled Chicken and Vegetables 
This dish has a whopping 30 grams of protein, perfect to satisfy your hunger until your next meal. Loading up on meat and veggies is a great way to celebrate the toughest workouts. 

Chocolate Chia Recovery Drink
It tastes just like chocolate milk (with a hint of coconut, of course). This heavenly shake is full of healthy fats and fibers, protein, and potassium. After all, who doesn't love chocolate? 

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers 
Who knew a veggie burger could taste so good? These baked black bean burgers are packed with fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin B6. These tasty burgers will not only satisfy your meat craving, they work to lower cholesterol and reduce your rick of heart diesease.

Will you try any of these? Share your fave pre/post workout recipes in the comments! 

by Julia Bonney | 12/16/2017