If you go directly to the gym from work, you know how famished you can feel once you arrive. You certainly don't want to blow your healthy eating plan with unhealthy, high calorie snacks. The simple solution is to have healthy gym snacks on hand to help boost your energy level without packing on the pounds. Here are some of the best snacks to carry in your gym bag.
Apple
An apple is the ultimate healthy portable snack. It fits easily into your gym bag and at only seventy calories per medium sized apple, it's not going to make your gym shorts tight. In fact, studies have shown that eating apples may actually help promote weight loss. Apples are high in water volume and in pectin which helps to promote a sense of fullness and satisfaction. Put a few of these polished beauties into your gym bag before you leave home in the morning and you'll have the energy to breeze through your evening workout.
Nuts
Nuts may be high in calories but they're also loaded with heart healthy fats which give you a sense of fullness and help to boost your pre-workout energy levels. Studies have shown that despite being high in calories, people who eat nuts on a regular basis experience better weight control than those who don't. Just be sure to eat no more than a handful to avoid taking in an excessive amount of calories.
Whole Grain Cereal
Select a box of whole grain cereal that's low in sugar and package it into small plastic baggies to keep in your gym bag. Ideally, choose a cereal that's high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Cereal will give you a pre-workout energy boost and promote a sense of fullness without adding an excessive number of calories.
Whole Grain Crackers with Peanut Butter
Buy some whole grain crackers and low fat peanut butter. Prepare your own peanut butter crackers by spreading peanut butter between two crackers. Package your homemade crackers in seal able plastic bags to take with you to the gym. These will give you a quick burst of energy and the peanut butter will give you a full, satisfied feeling.
Pre-made 100 Calorie Snack Packs
Check your grocery store for pre-packaged hundred calorie packs containing healthy snack foods. These can be a healthy and convenient option for a quick pre-workout energy boost. You should be able to find an ever expanding selection of snack packs at your local grocery store.
The beauty of these healthy snack choices is they'll fit conveniently into your gym bag and don't require refrigeration. Just pack them and go. It sure beats a trip to the vending machine.
