Want Better Workout Results? Eat These Foods And Drinks Before Exercising

You wake up early to rush to the gym before work. But you can’t run on an empty stomach, so what do you eat? The short answer: it depends on your exercise and diet goals. But you should get the best out of your pre-workout snack.

Some foods help you work out for longer. Others relieve soreness and build muscle mass. Whether you want a pre-workout snack, breakfast, or dinner, you’ll have plenty of food options to improve exercise. Here is the science behind these pre-exercise foods and drinks.

Don’t Save Water For After The Workout

To stay hydrated during a workout, you’ll want to drink water before, not after. In 2013, a study in Sports Medicine revealed that exercising while dehydrated decreases your strength, especially during high-intensity interval training. That’s a lot of muscle that could be gained through a glass of water.

A jogger with a towel around his neck drinks water.
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Registered Dietitian Jessica Jones recommends drinking a glass of water 10 to 20 minutes before exercising. If you have time, you can drink two cups of water two to three hours before your workout. Remember to rehydrate immediately after.