If you’ve ever participated in a Crossfit® workout before, you know just how demanding and grueling each Workout of the Day (or WOD) can be on the body. Not fueling up with the right kinds of food will dramatically impact your performance and you may have to quit midway through endurance training. Knowing what to eat before a session can help you feel your best, maximize the effectiveness of the workout, and achieve ideal results.

Top 5 Foods You Should Eat Before CrossFit

1. Oatmeal

Endurance training requires constant fuel. Oatmeal contains slow-burning carbohydrates and is therefore ideal to eat a few hours before your workout. The carbs will be stored as glycogen in your liver for later use as fuel for your training session. Grueling CrossFit workouts tap into and deplete your glycogen stores quickly. Restored energy reserves can help you power through your workout for much longer.

2. Banana

Bananas are known for their potassium content which regulates blood pressure and assists nerve function and muscular contractions while you work out. It’s a fast digesting carbohydrate which makes it an ideal on-the-go snack if you don’t have time to sit down for a meal before your CrossFit session.

3. Nut Butter

If you haven’t had a meal in more than four hours or so, you’ll need a long-lasting energy source. The beneficial types of fat found in peanut or almond butter are sure to satiate you and provide energy through your final repetitions. You can easily combine this with a carbohydrate such as a banana when participating in endurance training.

4. Eggs

Muscles need protein and eggs are rich in this macronutrient. Eggs and other protein-rich foods are necessary to repair and build muscle tissue which is constantly being torn down during endurance training. To get stronger, you’ll need to feed your muscles. You can also prepare eggs in a variety of ways so you won’t get bored of them.

5. Protein Bars

If whole foods are not an option, you can grab a protein bar that has your essentials covered. Not all bars are the same, so take a look at the ingredients list for an ideal combination of good carbohydrates and protein content with a healthy fat source.

If you’re in the military and ready to take your endurance training to the next level, try Bombers CrossFit® in Beavercreek, OH. With the motto, "Precision Guided Results while Targeting Excuses and Delivering Results,” you can expect to be challenged but rewarded. We are dedicated to building a safe community for members and their families in the Dayton, Kettering, Oakwood, and Bellbrook area. If you’re looking for nutritional guidance along with your training, we can also help you incorporate the Paleo diet into your way of life. Call (318) 401-1538 today or visit their website for more information.