Are you confused about what to eat before hitting the gym? With so much information available online, it can be hard to filter the facts from the misconceptions. In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most common pre-workout nutrition myths and provide you with the facts you need to fuel up before your next workout.

Myth #1: You Should Always Eat a High-Protein Meal Before Working Out 🚫🍗

Many people believe that consuming lots of protein before a workout is crucial to building muscle and improving performance. However, while protein is important, overloading on it pre-workout might not be the best idea.

A high-protein meal can take longer to digest, and you might feel sluggish or bloated during your workout. Instead, opt for a meal that’s high in carbs as they provide quick energy and digestion. A slice of whole-grain bread with peanut butter or a banana with Greek yogurt are excellent options.

A person eating a slice of whole-grain bread with peanut butter

Myth #2: You Need to Drink a Pre-Workout Supplement for Energy 🚫💊

Although pre-workout supplements have become quite popular, it’s not necessary to take them before a workout. These supplements often contain high levels of caffeine, creatine, and other stimulants that can lead to negative side effects like anxiety and high blood pressure.

Instead, try drinking a cup of coffee or green tea before the gym (in moderation). Both contain small amounts of caffeine that can help you power through your workout. Also, you can opt for a natural source of energy like blueberries or a banana.

A person drinking a cup of coffee before a workout

Myth #3: You Should Avoid Eating Fats Before Working Out 🚫🍔

Dietary fats have a bad reputation for causing sluggishness and digestion problems, but they do have several benefits. Fats take longer to digesten, providing you with sustained energy during a long workout.

That being said, avoid consuming lots of greasy fast food pre-workout. Instead, try something like a small handful of nuts or an avocado. Avocado is packed with healthy fats that can give you the energy you need to push through your workout.

A person holding a bowl of nuts

Myth #4: You Can Skip Pre-Workout Nutrition if You’re Trying to Lose Weight 🚫🍩

One common myth about pre-workout nutrition is that you should skip it if you’re trying to lose weight. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth!

Skipping a pre-workout meal can leave you sluggish, reducing your performance in the gym. Without proper nutrition, you could also lose muscle mass instead of fat, defeating your weight loss goals. The key is to choose healthy and balanced meals that fuel your workouts while keeping your calories in check.

A person eating a balanced meal before a workout

Myth #5: You Should Consume Sports Drinks for Hydration 🚫🍹

Sports drinks may seem like the perfect option for hydration during the workout, but they may not be necessary for everyone. These drinks are typically high in sugar and calories, which might not fit your dietary needs.

If you need more electrolytes or are working out at a higher intensity for a more extended period, sports drinks might be useful. However, most people can hydrate sufficiently with water before and after their workout.

A person drinking water from a bottle during a workout

In conclusion, there are still numerous myths about pre-workout nutrition that we must filter for the truth. Now that you know the common pre-workout myths, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your pre-workout meals and snacks. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach for every athlete or fitness level. Listen to your body and get to know your nutritional requirements before working out.

A cartoon of a person flexing with a protein shake in their hand in front of a gym.