The key to a ripped body lies not only in gym workouts but also in the diet. Therefore, people who work out often watch what they eat and drink, as diet has a tremendous effect on the body. Diet includes everything from breakfast and dinner to what people munch on between their meals or snacks. Most gym goers often avoid snacking, as they don’t want to break the diet they are following. However, it is possible to snack healthy without compromising on the diet. More than snacking, it’s the healthy snacking that makes all the difference.

Healthy snacking does not have to be a complicated process, as most would think. Though they are not easily available in a store like other snacks, they can be made at home with easy recipes, without much hassle of too many ingredients and without spending too much time in preparation. Those who work out can reap multiple benefits from sticking to healthy snacking. Eating snacks before and after a workout gives more energy, prevents muscle catabolism, and increases muscle anabolism. What to eat and when to eat are the two most important things to keep in mind when having meals or snacks. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the primary macronutrients one should consume in their meals and snacks. Avoiding fat before workout and eating a protein-rich snack or a meal post workout is a good way to diet.

Bananas with peanut butter

Bananas are popular among people who work out every day. They are a great source of carbohydrates and potassium that the body requires during workouts. Eating a banana before hitting the gym is a perfect way to give a boost to the glycogen stores in the body. Eating bananas along with peanut butter can turn it into a delicious pre-workout snack without much hassle. Moreover, adding peanut butter to banana will give the easy snack a nice boost of protein. You can also add multi-grain bread and make a peanut butter-banana sandwich to make it a fulfilling snack.

Apple with almond butter

Having apple alongside almond butter is one of the easy yet healthy snacks to have post workout. The body needs protein and iron post workout to rebuild the broken muscles, and that can be provided with a few apple slices dipped in almond butter. Apple helps refuel the body after its calorie expenditure. It also provides nutrients like Vitamin C and fiber to the body, especially when eaten with the outer skin. When almond butter and apples are combined, they make a perfect post-workout easy snack, as apples deliver the necessary carbs and almond butter provides protein to the body. Furthermore, you can also replace almond butter with peanut butter for a different taste yet similar benefits.

Wholegrain bread, sweet potato, and brown rice

Sweet potato, brown rice, and wholegrain bread are some great sources of complex carbohydrates and hence make one of the best snacks to be had 2-3 hours before workout. This snack is easy to make, as you only need a few slices of wholegrain bread, cooked sweet potato, and cooked brown rice; put them together. Additionally, to get a good source of slow-releasing energy throughout the workout, you can add a good source of protein to this snack. A snack that contains lots of carbohydrates along with some protein is great for people who perform high endurance activities that include sprinting, running, and cycling.

Omelet

Eggs are one of the easiest and quickest food items to cook, especially when your body needs its dose of protein for muscle building post workout. They are also one of the top food products you purchase every day for the same reason. An omelet, therefore, is one of the easiest snacks you can make every day for your post-workout consumption. An omelet can be cooked in less than 10 minutes and should be consumed within a few hours post workout. The amino acids in eggs help rebuild damaged tissues after an intense workout.

Yogurt parfait

If you work out every day, you can start your day with a healthy yogurt parfait. You can choose granola (vegan/gluten-free-friendly) and fruits of your choice to prepare a yogurt granola. Though cooking a granola on stove would take roughly 10 minutes, you can also buy it from a nearby store and add it to the yogurt along with fruits of your choice for this easy snack. When yogurt parfait is not loaded with sugar, it delivers great health benefits, especially for those who work out, as it is one of the excellent sources of protein, calcium, and probiotics.

Cottage cheese cubes with hummus

Cottage cheese is rich in protein, strengthens the bones and teeth, maintains blood sugar levels, improves digestion, and is good for heart health. People often consume cottage cheese post workout for quality and easy snacks that aren’t difficult to put together and take less than 10 minutes to prepare. To add some healthy taste to the cottage cheese cubes, you can add hummus, which is also a great source of protein.