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What to Eat Before a Workout: Fueling for Strength, Energy, and Performance

The Best Things to Eat Before a Training Session

When it comes to training, what you eat before your session can be the difference between a powerful, focused workout and one where you feel sluggish, bloated, or drained halfway through. Many people walk into the gym feeling hungry, low on energy, or even uncomfortable because they ate the wrong thing—or nothing at all. At E-town Fitness, we customize our approach to training and nutrition to optimize performance, ensuring that every session leaves you feeling stronger and more energized.

Why Pre-Workout Nutrition Matters

Your body is like a high-performance vehicle—fuel it correctly, and it runs smoothly; fuel it poorly, and it sputters. The right pre-workout meal or snack can:

  • Boost energy levels so you feel strong throughout the session
  • Prevent hunger and discomfort without making you feel bloated
  • Support muscle performance and recovery by providing essential nutrients

What Happens When You Eat the Wrong Thing (or Nothing at All)?

Many of our personal training clients come in saying they struggle with feeling bloated, sluggish, or even dizzy during workouts. More often than not, it’s due to improper pre-workout nutrition. If you eat too much heavy food, your body diverts energy to digestion rather than movement. If you eat too little—or nothing—your energy crashes before you even get through the warm-up.

The Best Pre-Workout Foods for Strength & Performance

To perform at your best, you need a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Here’s what works best:

1. Lean Protein + Easy-to-Digest Carbs (60-90 minutes before training)

For optimal performance, choose a lean protein source with moderate, easily digestible carbohydrates. This fuels your muscles while keeping digestion light.

  • Examples:
    • Greek yogurt + berries + a drizzle of honey
    • Chicken breast + jasmine rice
    • Scrambled eggs + whole grain toast

2. Quick-Digesting Carbs (30 minutes before training)

If you’re short on time, a small, fast-digesting carb can provide quick energy without weighing you down.

  • Examples:
    • Banana with almond butter
    • Handful of dried fruit and nuts
    • Rice cake with a thin spread of peanut butter

3. Hydration: The Missing Key

Many people overlook hydration, but even slight dehydration can tank performance. Aim for 16-20 ounces of waterleading up to your workout. If you’re training intensely or sweating a lot, adding electrolytes can help maintain endurance.

Personalization is Key

Everyone’s body responds differently to food before training. At E-town Fitness, we focus on personalization—helping our personal training and semi-private clients fine-tune their nutrition so they feel great and perform even better. Whether it’s through our nutrition coaching, customized personal training, or semi-private sessions, we ensure that every aspect of your fitness journey is designed for maximum results.

Ready to Train Smarter?

If you’re tired of guessing what to eat before workouts and want real, customized guidance on both training and nutrition, we can help. Book a consultation with us at E-town Fitness, and let’s build a plan that works for you.

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