It’s time to gorge on some pre-workout energy snacks

A healthy diet means a healthy body.

NEW DELHI: Are you ready to hit the gym? Before you do, why not start the day with some snacks that will not only energise you but will also help you get in shape!

The main aim of working out is to stay healthy and to keep yourself in shape; the right food options play a vital role in this.  Put in some almonds, apples or bananas in your diet, which are packed with essential nutrients. This will not only rejuvenate you but also reduce the risk of muscle cramps — a must need for your body!

Here are five quick snacks that provide the much-needed energy and power you require:

Bananas:



Bananas contain high potassium content and help reduce the risk of muscle cramp during exercise. Lack of sodium is one of the main reasons that cause muscle cramps, but potassium helps reduce the risk.

Brown bread:



An individual can have a brown bread sandwich also before hitting the gym. You can make the sandwich with almond butter and marmalade or jam as this provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and necessary fat.

Yoghurt and berries:



One can opt for a bowl of low fat yoghurt with a handful of blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. These are an excellent source of nutrients which protect muscles from radical damage that can be caused by excessive exercise.

Crunchy almonds:



A handful of almonds are considered a great pre-workout snack as they contain 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, potassium, fibre and calcium. Also, according to a research, almonds do not contain as much calories as believed.

Apples:



One can have lemon tea or coffee without sugar, or an apple before a workout session. The sugar content in apples is moderate.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2013.

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