The Only Foods You Should Actually Eat Before and After Working Out

Would you be more motivated to go to the gym if you got a little snack before? What about a snack after? What if I told you, ideally, you should be doing both? Exercise has all kinds of benefits, from increasing our energy levels to helping us sleep better. But if you're not going in properly fueled and refueling soon after, you might not be working as hard as you could—or getting all the benefits of your hard work.

Dylan Murphy, RD, LDN, says that eating before and after your workout is important. But timing, as well as what you eat, matters. Here are her tips on what to eat before and after exercise.

Before Your Workout

"Prior to a workout, it's important to consume a meal or snack with carbohydrates present to ensure your body has ample energy throughout," says Murphy. That's because carbohydrates are a rich source of glucose, which our body uses for fuel. You should also look for food with protein since that can help better prepare your muscles for working out as well. Eating a protein-rich snack also helps with muscle protein synthesis during exercise, which is a fancy way of saying the process of building more muscle mass. There are some delicious ways to eat protein- and carbohydrate-rich snacks that won't weigh you down pre-workout, too. While Murphy also says the best time window varies, a good rule is somewhere between 30 minutes to three hours before. These are Murphy's favorites:

Apple and Peanut Butter

Apples and peanut butter don't just taste great together; they're a great pre-workout team. The apple is your source of glucose, and the peanut butter brings the protein. If you need a more to-go version, consider making apple sandwiches.

Trail Mix

Not all trail mixes are the same, but you can look for one with a mix of nuts and dried fruits for a quick pre-workout snack. Because it keeps well in an airtight container, you can keep it stocked at your desk if you plan to hit the gym after work.

Yogurt with Granola

This is another good mix of protein (yogurt) and carbs (grains in the granola). You can find premade granola parfaits at most grocery stores. However, if you want to save money, you can also buy granola in bulk with a tub of your favorite yogurt and pack them in containers with a tray for toppings.

Protein Bars

Another easy to-go snack, protein bars can be stashed in a desk, gym bag, or car so you’re never caught unprepared. There’s no shortage of delicious protein bars on the market these days—Kind Bars offer many of the same benefits of trail mix since they're primarily nuts and seeds, and RX bars are sweetened with dates, giving you a bit of much-needed glucose as well. Just check the labels for added sugars since some might contain high levels.

Smoothies

Who doesn't want an excuse to sip on a smoothie? While most smoothies get their delicious taste from fruit (glucose), you can also add protein with yogurt, milk, or chia seeds.

After Your Workout

Much of what you needed pre-workout is also important post-workout. "Following a workout, our glycogen stores have been utilized and the proteins in our muscles have been broken down," she says. "It's important to refuel glycogen stores and rebuild and repair muscles after a workout." Eating carbohydrates after a cardio workout, like running or swimming, is especially important. Your window is also narrower for when you should eat: Ideally, you should have a snack or meal within an hour of ending your workout. Here are Murphy's five favorite post-workout snacks:

Smoothie

Yes, this one again. There's a reason you so often see smoothie places next to gyms. And don't worry; you don't need to choke down scoops of protein powder with your smoothie. Greek yogurt or a scoop of nut butter is fine.

Fruit and Yogurt

You can get creative with toppings or fruit-on-the-bottom cups, or just have some yogurt and a banana—it's up to you. But again, when you put them together, you're making a great combo of protein and glucose.

Chocolate Milk

Yep, you read that right. Some studies actually show chocolate milk is better for exercise recovery than sports drinks. The beverage has a mix of proteins, carbs, and electrolytes perfect for muscle recovery.

Toast with Peanut Butter

What more is there to say? This crunchy, comforting snack is easy to make, cheap, and perfect post-workout.

Two Hard-Boiled Eggs with Fruit

Hard-boiled eggs are the original protein bar: portable, inexpensive, and full of protein. Pair them with some fruit for the carb boost.

Next: The 4 Best Workouts for Burning Calories, According to an Expert

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.