99 Amazing Pre-Workout Snacks
to Crush Your Next Workout

As a fitness enthusiast—or bonafide gym rat—your main goal is to get your body in the absolute best shape possible.

While hitting the gym and going for a run will obviously test your body's strength and fitness level, the type of food that you eat is equally important to the entire process. 

In fact, we argue that it’s the most important.

While there are tons of benefits to fasted workouts, eating a healthy, well-balanced snack or meal before you start getting sweaty is one of the best ways to prep yourself for an intense workout.

In this epic guide, we’ll show you 99 different recipes for pre-workout snacks that you can easily make no matter your skills in the kitchen.

Did we go overboard? Probably. But don't let that stop you from trying at least one recipe...

From Paleo to vegan, and cardio to HIIT, we cover it all! With vegan being mentioned, we'd like to get you updated with a list of vegan pre-workout supplements, here, too. 

Page Contents

Why Pre-Workout Nutrition Is Important

Health care

Fitness freaks and body-builders everywhere always seem to put a great deal of focus on post-workout meals, but what you put into your body before you start working out deserves just as much attention.

Filling your body with proper nutrition prior to working out will allow you to see considerable gains throughout your entire body.

This is something that’s absolutely necessary if your main goal is to build up your precious muscles. Luckily, with the right recipe you can absolutely have it without creatine!

Additionally, eating a nutritious snack before even touching a dumbbell will give your body the energy it needs to keep moving in order to set a new PR. You just need to make sure you are helping your performance, not hampering it.

As you'll soon find out...

The 3 Macros For Well-Balanced Snacks

There are a number of different factors to consider when making pre-workout snacks and even when taking the best pre-workout supplements, but the three main things to keep in mind are the 3 macronutrients — protein, fat, and carbs

These three components are the most effective and powerful when it comes to getting your body in the best shape possible for an intense workout, as protein aids in its recovery, fat gives you more endurance, and carbs provide your body with the energy it so desperately needs. You may also find a lot of pre-workout fat burners around and it's important to give attention to all these information. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how each of those macros actually works:

  • PROTEIN
  • CARBOHYDRATES
  • FAT
  • Just like a car that needs gas to keep on moving, your body needs its own fuel to do the same thing. Carbs act as the fuel that keeps your body going along, and they’re so critically important due to the way they handle oxygen.
  • Carbs are much more efficient with their oxygen use compared to any other type of kilocalorie, and they enable your body to work harder and longer during even the most intense of workout sessions.
  • The amount of glycogen that your body stores is dependent on how many carbs your body takes in, and the conversion of glycogen to glucose is what your muscles primarily use as their energy source. This means that the length and intensity of which you can exercise is controlled quite a bit by your glycogen levels, and in order to boost these up, you need to ensure that you have a healthy balance of carbs in your diet.

How much protein, fat, and carbs should you have?

Now that you know all about the 3 macronutrients and what they do, it’s time to decide how many of these you should consume in order to meet your fitness goals.

Everybody reading this likely has a different/unique goal for their body, and as such, it’s difficult to say just how many macros you should be consuming depending on what sort of results you want to see.

Macro dieting is not something that’s one-size-fits-all, but even with this being the case, there is a general rule of thumb that you can follow in order to get yourself on the right track as a beginner. This may also apply to beginners who prefer pre-workout supplements.

Initially, you’ll want to start out with the following setup:

25 %
Protein
50 %
Carbs
25 %
Fat

See how your body reacts to having a balanced spread with carbohydrates at 50% and both protein and fat comprising 25% of your meal.

Once you’ve worked with a setup like this for a while, consider seeking the advice of a nutritionist so you can pinpoint exactly what your overall diet and pre-workout snacks should consist of in order to help you get the best results and athletic performance possible.

Also, pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of foods and each of the three macronutrients. Some people work better with higher protein diets whereas others will feel better while consuming more carbs. If you want to go with natural pre-workout supplements, you can learn a lot in another article we compiled nicely for you. 

Don’t Forget To Watch The Clock

young woman keeping track of time

In addition to watching the overall amount of macros you consume, it’s just as important to keep track of what time you actually eat them.

Although a pre-workout snack is obviously something you’ll want to eat before you go to the gym or embark on a long run, this doesn’t mean that you should start eating just 5 minutes before you start breaking a sweat.

This is a very common mistake that’s made by a lot of people - from avid Crossfitters to busy moms and even to those who take pre-workout supps for women - when they first start out with the pre-workout snack game, and it’s one that we want to help you avoid.

When you eat any sort of food, your stomach needs an ample amount of time to properly digest everything. Eating immediately before you workout means that you’ll be putting physical demand on your body while it’s simultaneously trying to digest the food you just ate, and this can result in lackluster performance and/or discomfort.

What we suggest doing is to eat your pre-workout snack around 1 to 3 hours before you plan on being physically active. The exact time you choose will vary depending on how quickly your body is able to fully digest food, and this is something that you can experiment and play around with in order to find the time that works perfectly for you and your body.

99 Pre-Workout Snacks You Need to Try Right NOW - or tomorrow ;)

Warning: Do NOT proceed to scroll through the following recipes if you have even the slightest inkling of hunger. The below images are known to induce severe hunger pangs on an empty stomach. You've been warned. Proceed with caution...

Green smoothie

Photo: Food Heaven Made Easy

Smoothies have often been one of the most popular go-to solutions for pre and post-workout snacks, and The Perfect Green Smoothie is one of the best out there for giving yourself a serious energy boost.

Made with green spinach, almond milk, non-fat Greek yogurt, tofu, strawberries, and chia seeds, this smoothie is packed to the gills with protein, probiotics, and more.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio
Almond Date And Hemp Energy Bars

Photo: Lemons and Basil

Energy bars are another staple of the pre-workout diet plan, and while there are a lot of different ways to make them, one of our personal favorites is the Almond Date And Hemp Energy Bars.

These bars are packed with a ton of nuts and fruit, and as a result of this, they provide your body with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber that will give you the boost of energy you need without any of those nasty preservatives or artificial flavors.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Paleo, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training
Avocado Toast

Photo: The Lemon Bowl

If you’re looking for a super quick and easy way to give yourself a little boost throughout the day that isn’t a sugary candy bar, this next recipe might be the perfect fit.

All you need is whole grain bread, low fat cottage cheese, an avocado, tomato, and salt and pepper. Create some thin bread slices on a cutting board and add 1/4 cup of cottage cheese to each one. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of this, and then top the cottage cheese with your slices of tomato and avocado. Season this with one more spritz of salt and pepper, and you’re all set and ready to go!

  • Diet Type(s): Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Cardio
Apple Oat Greek Yogurt Muffins

Photo: Running with Spoons

Working out in the morning is great, but if you choose to do so, you’ll need a healthy pick-me-up to have for breakfast in order to power your body through your early routine.

Some folks turn to staples such as cereal and pancakes, but if you want to start the day in the best way possible, these apple oat Greek yogurt muffins will have you covered.

Eggs, oats, Greek yogurt, and raisins are some of the star ingredients here. You’ll get a healthy and natural energy boost to give your body the fuel it needs in a tasty, convenient package.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, Cardio
Chocolate Mint Avocado Pudding

Photo: The Almond Eater

Even if you’re trying to watch what you eat, there’s always a time and place for dessert. Finding sweet treats that you can have prior to a solid workout is often rather challenging, but we think we’ve got the solution with this chocolate mint avocado pudding.

With avocado as the base for this pudding, you’re getting a large dose of health monounsaturated fatty acids and almost 20 vitamins and minerals that will make your body more than happy.

This chocolate and mint flavors are extremely pleasing, and the fact that this is vegan and gluten free is icing on an already amazing cake (or pudding in this case)!

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga
Chia Cherry Crunch Bites

Photo: Running To The Kitchen

Getting a solid protein boost that’s also gluten-free is a very real challenge that many people face, but thankfully, these chia cherry crunch bites offer a phenomenal amount of much-needed protein without any of the gluten that often comes with it.

Some of the main ingredients include almonds, dates, chia seeds, and whey protein powder. You’ll need just around 10 minutes to put the bites together, and the end result is a quick snack that’s a great source of healthy energy before an intense workout session.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training
butterbeer energy bites

Photo: The Big Man's World

Inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Butterbeer Energy Bites are a great alternative to the chia cherry crunch bites if you’d like a similar kind of snack but with a different flavor profile.

These energy bites can be made in one single bowl, and in addition to being extremely high in fiber, these bites are also vegan, gluten free, and also sugar free!

Oh, and did we mention that these taste downright awesome?

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Green Smoothies With Avocado And Kale

Photo: Taste of Divine

Green smoothies are insanely popular with fitness enthusiasts everywhere, and this has to do with the fact that they’re wildly healthy and nutritious. This particular smoothie features prominent offerings of avocado and kale, and this is what really makes it special.

One single cup of kale has 133% of your daily Vitamin A needs, in addition to 134% of Vitamin C. As for avocados, just half of one has a load of vitamins and minerals, 12-grams of good fats, and only 130 calories.

All you need to do is take 1 cup of kefir, 1/2 of a ripe avocado, 3 leaves of kale, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 4 ice cubes, blend everything together, and that’s all there is to it.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training, Yoga
Healthy Cookies

Photo: Armelle Blog

All right. While these may not technically be “cookies” per say, they’re a sweet and nutritious treat that’s loaded up with a ton of healthy ingredients that would do any body good before a long, hard workout.

Featuring raw oats, coconut flakes, peanut butter, applesauce, bananas, and more, these cookies taste great and don’t contain any eggs, dairy, sugar, or gluten. It’s certainly far off from what you’d typically consider a cookie to be, but if all you’re looking for is a scrumptious, sweet, and healthy snack, these healthy cookies are difficult to say no to.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Hemp Protein Truffles

Photo: Running on Real Food

Finding pre-workout snacks that are chocolatey, rich, and delicious isn’t always the easiest task around. There are plenty of nutritious snacks available, but nutritious snacks that are also tasty and can satisfy a sweet tooth are quite a bit rarer.

Thankfully, these hemp protein truffles fill this void quite well!

With raw cocoa, coconut oil, maple syrup, hemp protein, peanut butter, and hemp seeds, these truffles are wildly tasty while also filling your body up with much needed energy and protein before getting too sweaty.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training
No-Bake Banana Nut Protein Bars

Photo: Potluck at Oh My Veggies

No-bake pre-workout snacks are some of the most convenient around, and one of our personal favorites are these no-bake banana nut protein bars. This vegan solution includes various nuts, oats, dates, and protein powder so you can rest easy knowing that you’re filling your body with everything it needs for a quality session at the gym.

Protein is absolutely necessary for proper recovery after a particularly difficult workout, so by eating one or two of these bars a couple hours before getting too intense, you should notice a considerably better and faster recovery process.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training
No Mayo Egg Salad

Photo: Trial and Eater

Egg salad is a classic pre-workout meal that a lot of people have turned to over the years, but one of its biggest downside is how many calories it’s usually filled with. The high calorie count is mostly attributed to the mayonnaise, so what if we removed this to get a healthier egg salad option?

You’ll need around 25-minutes to whip this entire thing together, and ingredients such as eggs, avocado, and Greek yogurt means that you’re able to get a super tasty snack that also happens to be filled with some of the best pre-workout ingredients around.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio
Carrot Cake Quinoa Bites

Photo: Pancake Warriors

Carrot cake is one of those treats that’s hard to stop eating once you start, and thanks to this recipe you don’t have to feel so guilty about doing so before heading to the gym to start pumping some iron.

These carrot cake quinoa bites are extremely high in protein and are completely free of dairy, sugar, gluten, and grain. Oh, and they’re also vegan!

You’ll need a large selection of ingredients in order to make this one, but it’s well worth the effort. These bites are tasty, easy to pack in a lunch, and a fantastic choice for getting a nice energy boost before a good workout.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Coconut Lemon Energy Snacks

Photo: Bare Root Girl

Energy bites are some of the most popular pre-workout snacks around, but one problem that they sometimes face is a lack of moisture or juiciness. This makes these bites rather off-putting for a lot of people, but one recipe that’s an exception to this rule is for coconut lemon energy snacks.

Lemon juice and dates help to keep these snacks nice and refreshing, and along with this, the snacks also feature a ton of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and plenty of energy to keep you moving even through a particularly intense workout session.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga
Paleo Bagels

Photo: Savory Lotus

Bagels are a breakfast food staple, and if you like getting your workout done while the rooster is still waking up, it can be mighty tempting to eat one prior to your exercise routine. Bagels on their own typically don’t offer all of the nutrients and energy that you need for a solid pre-workout snack, and that’s where the paleo bagels come in.

This recipe for paleo bagels is one of our favorites for a morning pre-workout snack, as you’ll find lots of protein from the seeds, tons of nutrients that comes from eggs, and a load of good fats that’s essential to making the most of your physical activity.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Paleo
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training, Cardio
Raw Brownie Bites

Photo: Dr. Axe

When you think of healthy pre-workout snacks, brownies probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind. Brownies are typically a guilty pleasure that we indulge in even though we know they aren’t good for us. What if we could have a brownie snack that was actually beneficial as a pre-workout meal?

Enter the raw brownie bites.

Making these bits is extremely easy. All you need are walnuts, almonds, dates, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Take all of your ingredients, throw them in a good processor, and then roll them into balls! Freeze them for 30 minutes, and you’re ready to start snacking!

  • Diet Type(s): Vegan, Raw
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio
Raw Key Lime Pistachio Bites

Photo: The Healthy Maven

Similar to the coconut lemon energy snacks that we already talked about, these raw key lime pistachio bites are a great option if you’re looking for a pre-workout snack with a surprising amount of juice and punch.

The key lime flavor here is quite tart and juicy, and the the pistachios offer a ton of energy and nutrients for a truly successfully workout.

All you need for this recipe are pistachios, pitted dates, and key limes. It’s about as simple of an ingredient list as you can find, and the end result is a snack that we can’t get enough of.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Paleo, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Spirulina Balls

Photo: Ravishing Raw

Having a craving for chocolate can be quite difficult to deal with if you’re trying to eat as healthy as you can. A quick candy bar prior to working out might seem like a good idea at first to satisfy that chocolate craving, but we have a much better solution.

Spirulina balls are a great way to get that chocolatey taste while also giving your body the energy it needs prior to a hard workout, and they’re quite easy to make too. Just take all of the ingredients, mix them together, roll ‘em into balls, and then freeze for 15 minutes.

This is a great vegan and raw snack that’s easy to make, great for your body, and oh-so tasty. Not to mention the extremely high protein content of spirulina - up to 71% protein by weight!

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training
Tropical Green Smoothie

Photo: The Little Epicurean

Stepping away from these bites and balls for a second, let’s look at another smoothie recipe. The tropical green smoothie is made up of a very simple ingredient list, including spinach, banana, mango, pineapple, and coconut water.

Simply add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend everything together until it creates a smoothie-like consistency. This is a fantastic meal to have early in the morning before you hit the gym, and along with powering you throughout your workout, it should keep you rather full for a while as well.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Vegan + Gluten Free Afternoon Snack

Photo: Deliciously Organized

Like the title of this recipe suggests, this is an awesome choice if you’ve been searching for an afternoon snack that’s both vegan and gluten free.

Take some rice cakes, cover them with almond butter, and then add sliced banana to the top with a little sprinkle of cinnamon. It takes just a second to put these together, and it creates a snack that’s surprisingly filling and quite delicious.

Can't spare a few minutes to throw this bad boy together? We cover the best vegan, fully plant-based pre-workouts right here at Health Listed.

It’s one of our go-to recipes if we need a pre-workout snack that doesn’t take a lot of time to make, and it’s something that everyone should know how to do.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Cardio
Zucchini Sushi Rolls

Photo: Tales of a Kitchen

Combining zucchini and sushi might seem rather odd at first, but this healthy take on a sushi roll is a recipe that we’ve recently become quite entranced and obsessed with.

In order to make the rolls, all you need is zucchini, a carrot, cucumber, capsicum, an apple, and green onion. Wrap the zucchini around the other ingredients you’re using, and that’s all there is to it.

You can get a bit creative by adding or removing certain components, and that’s one of the reasons we love this one so much. It’s a quick, customizable, and tasty snack that’s great prior to any type of workout.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga, High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training
Banana And Almond Porridge

Photo: Smart Cooky

We recently came across this recipe for banana and almond porridge, and even though it’s another pre-workout snack/meal that’s extremely easy to put together, it’s definitely one of our favorites.

Packed with oats, chia seeds, milk, dates, banana, cinnamon powder, saffron, and honey, this porridge is a great source of carbs and potassium. The included oats help to satisfy any cravings you have, and they’ll slowly release energy throughout your body so that you’ve got a constant amount to utilize whether you’re running or lifting weights.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Banana And Honey Smoothie

Photo: Pixabay

Bananas are one of the best pre-workout snacks you can get, and keeping with the banana theme for a little bit, the banana and honey smoothie is another great use of this superfood for filling your body with all of the energy and electrolytes you can get your hands on before making your way to the treadmill.

Take some yogurt, bananas, honey, pumpkin seeds, and water, and blend everything in a blender or food processor until it’s whipped up into a rich, creamy drink. The taste of the honey mixed with the bananas is absolutely fantastic, and it’s a great way to get your body moving and grooving before shedding off extra calories.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Beetroot Juice

Photo: Smart Cooky

Beets are another superfood in the pre-workout world, and although they aren’t quite as appetizing to some people as a banana, you can get all of the benefits of beets in a quick and tasty package by making a beetroot juice.

There are a few different ways you can go about making beetroot juice, but one of our preferred ways is by combining it with carrots, ginger, and lemon. The taste is an acquired one, but the number of benefits that come with a drink like this are out of this world.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Baked Eggs With Beans

Photo: Smart Cooky

All of the recipes we’ve talked about so far are some of the best around, but if you’d rather have a snack that will warm your belly while also fueling your body with a huge amount of protein and energy, few options are as great as baked eggs with beans.

This recipe does require a bit more time than most of the other ones we’ve talked about so far, but the time you’ll spend throwing this together is well worth the effort. The flavor here is nothing short of amazing, and the ingredient list will give your body everything it needs to meet the demands of your gym and personal trainer.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training
Apple And Walnut Salad

Photo: Smart Cooky

Going back to a recipe that’s a bit lighter, this apple and walnut salad is a great way to get your body energized and feeling good before virtually any sort of workout or exercise.

Featuring apples, walnuts, basil leaves, lettuce, sugar, pepper, curry powder, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil, this salad strikes a great balance of being super tasty and super powerful simultaneously.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Cardio, Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Maple Vanilla Nut Latte Protein Bites

Photo: Cotter Crunch

Protein is one of the most important components to a pre-workout meal, and these maple vanilla nut latte protein bites are absolutely chock-full of it. The recipe was inspirited by a former Starbucks barista, and it’s easily a go-to pre-workout snack for all of the coffee-lovers reading this.

The added protein is found within the hazelnuts, almond meal, and protein powder. Additionally, the presence of the ground coffee has been said to help fight against diabetes and even cancer. It’s a full-featured pre-workout snack that’s sure to leave you wanting more, so thank goodness these bites are easy enough to throw together!

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Energy Balls

Photo: Julies Eats and Treats

We know we’ve got a lot of chocolate fans reading this guide, so we decided to add another recipe that will help to satisfy some of your chocolatey craving. Macadamia nuts are one of the many stars of the show with these energy balls, and what’s great here is that macadamia nuts have twice the amount of monounsaturated fats than what you’ll find in almonds.

As we talked about earlier, monounsaturated fats are essential for keeping cholesterol levels low and helping to lose weight. It’s one of the best things to put into your body before working out, and this is a great recipe to get plenty of them.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Golden Raisin Energy Bites

Photo: Well Plated

Raisins are one of the most-suggested snacks to eat prior to working out, and while raisins on their own are good enough, making golden raisin energy bits is a great way to take the power and potential of raisins to the next level.

This is a snack that’s got a subtle sweetness and has a load of fiber and protein that’s essential to any pre-workout routine. The flavor here is also quite nice, and with just 86 calories, it’s a solid choice for those of you watching your caloric intake throughout the day.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio
Matcha Pistachio Bliss Balls

Photo: Downshiftology

If you’re regularly hitting the gym, going for runs, or doing other forms of physical activity, there’s a good chance that you’re trying to lose a bit of weight. Finding the right food that will aid you with your weight-loss isn’t always the easiest task, but one pre-workout snack that’s a great addition for aiding with losing weight are matcha pistachio bliss balls.

Matcha powder is loaded with a ton of healthy properties and ingredients, and the nutty flavor that you’ll find from the pistachios is one of the best compliments you’ll find for it.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Cardio
Creamy Broccoli Soup

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Before you skip over this recipe just because you saw that there’s broccoli in it, here us out. Even for those of you reading this that simply hate the taste of broccoli, this is still a recipe worth giving a shot.

With bacon, onion, garlic, broccoli, coconut milk, and more, this soup is very warming, creamy, and extremely healthy.

This is best-served as a light lunch, but its’ also a great meal to have early in the morning. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time to eat it prior to working out so everything isn’t sloshing around while breaking a sweat.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training
Strawberry Beet Smoothie

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

If you thought we were only going to mention one beet recipe on this guide, think again! There are a lot of beet smoothie/juice recipes out there, but another favorite of ours is the strawberry beet smoothie.

The combination of the strawberries and the beets makes for a shockingly great flavor, and the large number of antioxidants and vitamin C present here is great no matter what occasion.

Smoothies are preferred by a lot of folks when it comes to pre-workout snacks that are quick and easy to make, and this recipe is no exception to that rule.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Paleo, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Simple Roasted Green Beans

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Pre-workout smoothies and energy balls are some of the quickest ways to fill our body with the energy and nutrients it needs prior to a long and hard workout session. However, if you’re really crunching for time and need something that’s even easier to throw together, simple roasted green beans might be the answer for you.

All you need for this to work are green beans, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Simply heat your oven 400-degrees, add all of your ingredients to a baking sheet, and roast them for about 30 minutes.

Once everything is done cooking, you can refrigerate what you’ve got and just throw it in the microwave for a quick and healthy snack prior to getting active.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training
Spinach And Mushroom Frittata

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Eggs are one of the best foods you can eat as a pre-workout snack or meal, and the spinach and mushroom frittata is one of the tastiest ways to get your body amped and filled up before some quality time at the gym.

The main ingredients for this recipe include eggs, coconut milk, butter, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, seat salt, and black pepper. The large amount of protein found within eggs is the real superpower here, and when you combine them with the spinach and mushrooms, you get a quick breakfast meal that’s sure to get you moving.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Paleo Blueberry Thyme Smoothie

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

There are a number of different ways to create multiple smoothie concoctions, and one that’s loaded up with antioxidants and other energy-fueling goodies is the paleo blueberry thyme smoothie.

The blueberry is one of the best fruits around for giving your body the energy kick that it needs to keep on moving, and this is what makes this smoothie so great as a pre-workout snack.

All you need to do is get some frozen blueberries, coconut milk, thyme leaves, lime, and a banana. Throw all of these ingredients into a blender, and you’re set and ready to go.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Paleo, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Cinnamon Apple Energy Bites

Photo: Recipe Runner

Apple pie is an American classic, and this recipe for cinnamon apple energy bites allows you to get that beloved apple pie flavor into an energy bite that’s extremely beneficial and helpful as a pre-workout snack.

Each bite only has 52 calories, and you won’t find any unnecessary sugar or bad carbs to slow you down. The protein level isn’t the highest at 1.3-grams per serving, but even with that being the case, this is still a fantastic choice for people trying to watching how many calories they’re eating each day.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, Cardio
Almond Joy Energy Bites

Photo: Gimme Some Oven

The quick, sugary energy boost that candy bars offer can be quite difficult to say no to when you’re trying to find a pre-workout snack to help motivate you to get moving. However, we think we’ve found one of the best alternatives with these Almond Joy Energy Bites.

As you might be able to guess, these energy bites are inspired by the famous Almond Joy candy bar. They taste exactly like the candy, but without any unwanted sugar or bad fat. It’s a great way to boost your energy levels in the morning prior to hitting the gym, and it’s one of our highest recommendations for folks searching for a pre-work bite that will also satisfy a sweet tooth.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training
Superfood Chocolate Fudge Red Velvet Cake Bites

Photo: Cotter Crunch

Chocolate Fudge Red Velvet Cake Bites. Yep. That’s a pre-work snack that exists and is way healthier and better for you than you may initially think.

These bites are gluten free and packed with superfood ingredients that fill your body with only good components and no bad stuff.

Packed with antioxidants, iron, calcium, and more, these energy bites are way healthier than one would initially imagine, and that makes these a fun, tasty surprise.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Paleo Curried Vegetable Skillet With Fried Eggs

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Eggs are usually something that’s had with pre-workout meals in the morning, but they can work just as well for meals or snacks that you have later on in the day.

A paleo curried vegetable skillet with fried eggs might sound like a time-consuming thing to make, but with a prep time of only 15 minutes, this snack can be whipped up in no time at all so you can spend less time cooking and more time at the gym.

In addition to the large amount of protein found with eggs, you’ll also get a lot of of power and energy from the leeks, carrots, and spinach.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Paleo Crispy Vegetable Cakes

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

We all know that veggies are good for us, but trying to eat the proper amount throughout the day isn’t always the easiest thing in the world.

That’s where the paleo crispy vegetable cakes come into play.

These little cakes are absolutely filled with about every veggie you can think of, including baby spinach, parsley, carrots, onions, red bell peppers, and more. You’ll need around 30 minutes to get everything ready, but these little cakes are an excellent way to get your body pumped for a great workout session.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
PB and J Swirl Energy Balls

Photo: Fit Foodie Finds

There’s a good chance you grew up eating plenty of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a kid. PB & J sandwiches are a staple for most people’s childhood, and these PB & J swirl energy balls are a great way to bring some nostalgia to your pre-workout food plan.

You’ll find a considerably smaller amount of calories in these balls as opposed to a regular PB & J sandwich, and thanks to the dried blueberries, cashews, and peanuts, there’s also an excellent source of nutrients that are essential to a quality workout.

You will find a slightly higher amount of sugar in here than most energy balls, so be careful not to go too crazy when eating these.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Cranberry Almond Energy Bites

Photo: The Creative Bite

You can never have too much protein in a pre-workout snack, and as such, we’re absolutely in love with this recipe for cranberry almond energy bites. They are a tad high on the calorie count with 113 calories per bite, but the large amount of protein found in each one is what keeps us coming back to these time and time again.

A healthy 2-grams of fiber is also present here, and the 11.5-grams of carbs is great to have if you plan on going through a particularly intense workout routine later in the day.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio
Sautéed Kale

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Kale is one of the best greens you can put into your body, and while eating it raw isn’t the most appetizing thing ever, sautéing it turns it into an extremely tasty dish that works great as a little pre-workout snack for giving your body the energy boost it often needs.

This dish takes just 15 minutes to put together, and along with the kale, you’ll only need onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, almonds, and salt. These extra components help to flavor the kale a bit, and the almonds are also an excellent source of protein and nutrients.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training
Kale Chips

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

If you find yourself not getting enough kale with the sautéed option above and want even more, kale chips are another great snack that are even more portable and convenient once you’ve got them made.

You just need kale, olive oil, and sea salt to get started, but the actual process of chip-ifying the kale does take some time. However, once you get this done, you’ll have a super quick snack that’s loaded with fiber and absolutely no trans fat.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Energy Bites

Photo: Desserts With Benefits

Quinoa is a popular ingredient that’s often found in salads, tacos, and breakfast bowls, but it’s also right at home with these healthy strawberry shortcake energy bites.

In addition to the undeniable fruity and sweet taste of strawberry shortcake, these energy bites are also equipped with ancient grains that are an excellent component for losing weight and building muscle.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio

46. Lemon Vanilla Energy Balls

Lemon Vanilla Energy Balls

Photo: The Healthy Maven

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful vitamins around, and in these lemon vanilla energy balls, you’ll find more than 100% of the daily recommended intake for the stuff!

In addition to the lemon, these balls also have pitted dates, almonds, vanilla protein powder, maca powder, sea salt, and lemon zest/juice. The combination of the Vitamin C and protein in these balls creates for a powerhouse of energy in a tiny package, and it makes for an incredible quick and easy snack before working out.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training

47. Baked Carrot Fries

Baked Carrot Fries

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

To go along with your kale chips that we previously mentioned, why not have some carrot fries as well? Carrots are an excellent food source for beta-carotene, and this is something that our body naturally changes into Vitamin A.

Along with this, this recipe also calls for sumac — a component with higher antioxidant activities than what’s usually found in most fruits and veggies.

You’ll need 30-40 minutes to throw everything together, but once you do, you’ll have a decent amount of carrot fries that are perfect for snacking on prior to any workout routine.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training, Cardio

48. Crispy Cauliflower Cakes

Crispy Cauliflower Cakes

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Cauliflower is a food that doesn’t get nearly the amount of fanfare or attention that it deserves, and one of our favorite recipes that makes it the star of the show is one for crispy cauliflower cakes.

Cauliflower is absolutely filled with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B6, and folate. Along with this, you’ll also find healthy servings of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, biotin, manganese, and more.

It’s one of the best superfoods around, and this recipe makes eating cauliflower more enjoyable and tastier than it’s ever been before.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga

49. Mini Paleo Meatloaves

Mini Paleo Meatloaves

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Meatloaf is one of the most comforting foods around, and thanks to this recipe for mini paleo meatloaves, you can easily turn this dish into an awesome pre-workout snack!

The loafs themselves are made using ground turkey and they feature a ketchup topping that will easily fit any paleo diet. The 45-minute prep time is a bit on the demanding side of things, but if you make up enough of these, they’re quick and easy bites that are great to have before an afternoon or evening run.

  • Diet Type(s): Paleo
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio
Funky Monkey Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Photo: Cupcakes and Kale Chips

How could you say no to an energy ball with a name like this? We know we sure can’t!

The “funky” name might draw you in, but you’ll stay for the the high amount of protein and good carbs that are found in these little bites.

Combining peanut butter, banana, and chocolate creates for a flavor that we would be fine with having all the time, and the high protein count found within the banana is great to have right before meeting or beating your PR at the gym.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training

51. Thin Mint Energy Bites

Thin Mint Energy Bites

Photo: Blissful Basil

Thin Mint cookies are the most iconic Girl Scout cookie around, and as tasty as they are to eat, they’re definitely not the best thing to put in your body before working out or going for a run.

Thankfully, Thin Mint Energy Bites allow you to get that same great Thin Mint flavor but in a package that’s much healthier for you.

Packed with dates, raw cacao, hemp seeds, real peppermint extract, and oats, these little bites both taste good and come with all the energy you’ll ever need even for the most intense of workout routines.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training

52. Coconut Date Energy Bites

Coconut Date Energy Bites

Photo: Sweet Phi

If coconut is a flavor that you like more than Thin Mint cookies, you’ll be right at home with these coconut date energy bites. Coconut oil is one of the most powerful ingredients in these little buggers, as it will help to make sure that you don’t feel drowsy or tired while pumping iron.

Coconut oil has something called lauric acid, and since lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fat, it’s converted into energy much more quickly than what you’ll find with most other fats.

In other words, it’s great to have in an energy bite like this.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga

53. Perfect Paleo Yogurt

Perfect Paleo Yogurt

Photo: Ultimate Paleo Guide

Along with smoothies, yogurt is another morning snack that a lot of people turn to when they need something to eat but don’t have a lot of time on their hands. The Perfect Paleo Yogurt is a quick and easy pre-workout snack that will get you feeling energized and pumped up, and it’s packed with a great list of ingredients.

Coconut milk, raisins, cinnamon, and honey are some of the staples of this dish, but what’s great is that you can customize it quite a bit by adding various other fruits to make it even more energizing and healthy than it is by default!

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga

54. Banana-Walnut Bliss

Banana-Walnut Bliss

                              Photo: Best Health Mag

Bananas and walnuts come together in this smoothie recipe to create for an extremely tasty drink that will also help you get better results at the gym than you’ve ever seen before.

We’ve already said it multiple times throughout this guide, but we’ll go ahead and say it again — bananas are one of the top fruits to have as a pre-workout snack, and their presence in this smoothie enable it to be extremely rich in potassium, antioxidants, and plenty more. Plus, thanks to the walnuts, there’s a good amount of protein here as well!

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian 
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio

55. Kiwi ’n Kale Smoothie

Kiwi ’n Kale Smoothie

                            Photo: Best Health Mag

In fitness world, good things come in greens. With this kiwi ’n kale smoothie, that saying has never been more true!

We’ve already looked at a couple different ways to integrate kale into a pre-workout snack, and its use here allows you to get loads of iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K in a sweet and tasty package thanks to the kiwi, milk, and honey.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training

56. Oat Cocoa Smoothie

Oat Cocoa Smoothie

                               Photo: Best Health Mag

The taste of sweet, sweet cocoa is one that’s quite difficult to overcome once you’ve been hit with a sweet tooth. Thankfully, options like the oat cocoa smoothie exist so that you can calm that craving down while also giving your body a great shot of energy to get it pumped for a good, long workout.

By using skim milk and low-fat yogurt with this smoothie, you can get all of the great muscle-building properties that dairy has to offer without consuming any bad fats in the process. Plus, that great cocoa powder makes the whole thing taste that much better.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian 
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training

57. No-Bake Raspberry Chia Breakfast Bar

No-Bake Raspberry Chia Breakfast Bar

Photo: Daily Burn

Although the no-bake raspberry chia breakfast bar may look a whole lot like a tasty dessert at first, this healthy snack is an awesome way to fuel up your body early in the morning so you can hit the open running trails before the chaos of your day fully sets in.

Taking just 15-minutes to make, these breakfast bars are absolutely loaded up with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. All of these are absolutely necessary to defining muscles and promoting healthy bones. Getting all of those awesome properties in such a great-tasting treat is fantastic!

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training, Yoga

58. Apple Pie Granola Bars

Apple Pie Granola Bars

Photo: Daily Burn

We already looked at an apple pie-themed energy bite, but what about a granola bar? That’s exactly what this recipe brings to the table, and the end result is a mouthful of awesome flavor in a package that also happens to be extremely good for you.

There are just 5 measly grams of sugar per each bar that you make, and thanks to the pecans and various oats, there’s plenty here to keep you wide awake even through the most grueling of exercises.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training

59. Chocolate, Cashew and Almond Bars

Chocolate, Cashew and Almond Bars

Photo: Sea Salt With Food

Indulging in a big piece of cake, ice cream, or pie might seem like a great way to end a stressful day, but why not go for something like this instead. Featuring cocoa powder, cashews, and almonds, you’ve got all the makings for a great dessert.

However, these bars can be used as a tasty and nutritious energy snack at any time during the day.

Dates, coconut, and the various nuts keep these bars healthy and energizing. The overall process for making these little buggers is quite simple too, and that’s good as it’s hard to stop eating these things once you start!

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga

60. C-Blast Smoothie

C-Blast Smoothie

                        Photo: Best Health Mag

As you can tell from the name of this one, the C-Blast Smoothie is as filled as it can be with Vitamin-C. Thanks to the addition of pink grapefruit, strawberries, and pineapple, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another smoothie out there that’s got more Vitamin-C than this guy right here.

We all know that Vitamin-C helps your immune system, but did you know that it also promotes your body’s absorption of iron too?

Add these two great benefits with an energizing flavor, and you end up with a drink that’s a perfect addition to any morning prior to a good run or stretch.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga

61. 3-Ingredient Homemade Larabars

3-Ingredient Homemade Larabars

Photo: Daily Burn

Larabars are some of the most popular energy bars on the market right now, and while they certainly are a tasty and healthy snack, they’re not all that friendly on the wallet at $2 to $3 per bar.

Good thing you can easily make them yourself!

In order to make your own Larabars, all you need are nuts, medjool dates, and dried fruit. You will need to get the food processor out to whip these together, but the added effort is well, well worth it.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga

62. Apricot And Cashew Bars

Apricot And Cashew Bars

Photo: Nutrition in the Kitch

When searching for a pre-workout snack that’s a bit more on the tropical side of things, why not give these apricot and cashew bars a try?

In addition to the apricots and cashews, these bars also have unsweetened coconut, hemp seed, and rolled oats. This means that the bars are filled with omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids — all essential to getting through a long, intense workout.

You only need 11 minutes to put everything together, and when you do, you’ll have 8 tasty bars to easily get you through the week.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training

63. Blueberry Avocado Layered Smoothie

Blueberry Avocado Layered Smoothie

                                Photo: Best Health Mag

Two of our favorite superfoods are blueberries and avocados. As the name of this recipe suggests, you’ll find both of those inside of this delicious and tasty treat.

Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, and avocados have almost 20 vitamins and minerals. Add these two things together with some yogurt, lime juice, honey, almond butter, and milk, blend it all up, and you’re ready to go.

The combination of the great taste and multiple benefits is a real winner here, and we think this is one recipe you’re going to quickly fall in love with.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): High Intensity Interval Training, Yoga

64. Chocolate Matcha Energy Balls

Chocolate Matcha Energy Balls

Photo: The Healthy Maven

Chocolate matcha energy balls. We’re drooling just thinking about them, and here’s why you should too.

Matcha is wildly tasty, but along with this, it also helps to promote a flatter belly. This is done by matcha’s ability to stimulate the lipolysis throughout your body, and this is what contributes to the breakdown of fat.

Combine this with the sweet taste of chocolate, 9.8-carbs for energy at the gym, and just 61 calories, and you’ve got a quick snack that you’ll want to have access to 24/7.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Pineapple Coconut Energy Bites

Photo: Get Creative Juice

Going back to tropical flavors once again, we’ve got pineapple coconut energy bites. This snack is extremely refreshing and fruity, and it’s got a good deal of protein as well so you can go extra hard at the gym after eating one or two of these beforehand.

While you’ll need to keep the constants of the coconut, pineapple, etc., you can use whatever vanilla-flavored protein powder that you prefer. It really doesn’t matter which one you use, so if you’ve already got a favorite, go ahead and use it!

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training
Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies

Photo: Body Building

Cookies for a pre-workout snack? That may sound a little far-fetched at first, but hear us out with this one.

Finding pre-workout snacks that are gluten-free isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but in addition to these cookies being completely free of any gluten, they’re also extremely tasty and packed with ingredients that will help you perform as best you can when going to the gym.

Featuring whey protein powder, oats, nutmeg, garbanzo beans, raisins, walnuts, and more, this is a great snack even for those that aren’t gluten-intolerant.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Mixed Berry Sorbet

Photo: Body Building

Although sorbets are usually reserved for desserts, this tasty mixed berry sorbet is a great pick for people on the hunt for a light, fruity, and refreshing pre-workout snack that will keep them feeling alive and well during their entire workout sessions and not just for part of it.

This recipe is quite flexible, as you just need 1/4 cup of Stevia, 1/2 cup of sugar-free vanilla almond milk, and 1 cup of your favorite frozen berries. Add all of these to a blender, mix it together, and you’ll be ready to go.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga
Turkey Meatballs With Marinara Sauce

Photo: Body Building

We understand that some of you reading this prefer something cooked and warm to eat as a pre-workout snack, and we completely understand that. There are quite a few options out there for something along those lines, but one of our top picks is this recipe for turkey meatballs with marinara sauce.

In addition to the ground turkey, this quick snack also includes flax seed, basil, and egg whites. It may not technically be the most beneficial treat on this guide, but it still offers enough of a kick to get you energized and moving for your run or weight-lifting.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Goji Berry Bars

Photo: Citron Limette

Going back once more to energy bars, this recipe for goji berry bars puts a big highlight on dates, sunflower seeds, goji berries, and walnuts. Goji berries are small, red berries that are packed to the brim with fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Along with all of the already mentioned ingredients, these bars also contain cocoa nibs that add a tangy crunch and yet another boost of antioxidants (as if there already wasn’t enough).

Oh, and did we mention that these little suckers are darn tasty too?

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Fig And Walnut Energy Bars

Photo: Daily Burn

In the supermarket, you’ve got candy in the form of Hershey’s Kisses, M&M’s, etc. However, nature also has its own set of candy in the form of apricots, cranberries, and Turkish figs. Those are the three stars of these energy bars, and one single batch of these puppies should give you enough energy-boosting snacking for 10 whole days.

You will need to cook these particular bars, and while that’s a bit different from previous energy bars we’ve looked at, the added time that’s needed to make these is easily worth it. These bars taste great, last a long while, and have loads of carbs, fiber, and protein to boot.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Banana Pear Smoothie

                         Photo: Best Health Mag

This recipe for a banana pear smoothie is a fantastic way to get yourself moving and grooving early in the morning, and this is especially useful if you tend to do your running and lifting earlier on in the day.

Banana and pear are the two main stars of this show, and as a result, one single serving of this smoothie gives your body nearly 1/4 of your daily Vitamin C requirement. Not only that, but you’ll also find 28% of your suggested daily fiber intake — a great benefit for helping to promote your digestion.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Apple Cinnamon Bars

Photo: Bright Eyed Baker

Apple and cinnamon creates for one of the best flavor combinations around, and thanks to a recipe for apple cinnamon bars, it’s possible to get that great taste in the form of an energy bar that will keep you wide-eyed through both late-night and early-morning exercises.

Loaded with nutrients, these bars taste crazy good and are also crazy good for you. This is another bar that will require some baking, but once again, the extra time and effort that’s required here is more than worth the end result.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Kamut Dark Chocolate Bars

Photo: Kathy Patalsky

What happens when you combine the great taste of dark chocolate with the awesome power of coconut? Well, in this case, you end up with kamut dark chocolate energy bars!

Loaded up with B vitamins and plenty of protein, these bars will do the trick if you find yourself feeling sluggish and need that extra boost to get you moving and on your way to the gym.

There’s also plenty of prunes here, and while that may be a turn-off for some, it shouldn't be! Prunes are filled with essential fiber, and that’s always something that comes in handy for any sort of pre-workout pickup.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Rise And Shine Bars

Photo: This Mess is Ours

Being a morning person isn’t an easy thing to do, but if you want to make the most of your day by getting a solid workout in before the day gets too long in the tooth, it’s something that you simply need to get used to.

Thankfully, these rise and shine bars make getting energized and wide awake even during the super early hours a piece of cake.

Made using flax seed, pine nuts, dried cranberries, and pecans, these bars are absolutely packed with antioxidants and healthy fats that are critical to making the most of any workout.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga, High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training
Blueberry And Dark Chocolate Energy Bites

Photo: Better With Cake

Blueberries and dark chocolate — a match made in heaven!

While this may just sound like nothing more than an indulgent from the title, there’s still more than enough healthy stuff packed in here to make these a prime choice for an energy-boosting pre-workout bite.

You’ll find a generous offering of antioxidants here, and there’s also a decent carb count at 5.3-grams. Better yet, these bites are crazy decadent and delicious tasting.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegetarian 
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Chocolate Energy Bites

Photo: Eat Drink Love

Need we say any more?

In all seriousness, this quick recipe will give you a fiber and carb boost while also satisfying your desire for a piece of chocolate cake or a scoop of chocolatey ice cream.

The chocolate flavor here is undeniable, and if you add in a bit of almond butter to the mix, you can reduce the sugar count and add even more protein than the 1.2-grams that’s already offered.

Top this off with a ton of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, and you’ve got a real winner on your hands.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Citrus Energy-Boosting Smoothie

Photo: Best Health Mag

Caffeine can be an easy thing to turn to if you find yourself needing more energy in order to really power through your upcoming workout, but this is not your only option when it comes to keeping yourself wide-eyed and at the ready.

A tasty and much healthier alternative to caffeine-loaded drinks and snacks like the stimulant-free choices here is the citrus energy-boosting smoothie.

This smoothie keeps you moving with natural sugar and iron that’s found in the included spinach (not to mention the citrus fruits’ folate as well).

Better yet, the addition of almond milk also creates for a lot of added protein.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Pomegranate Quinoa Bars

Photo: Petite and Minimal

If you’re looking for a small, compact package of healthy ingredients that are essential to getting the best workout ever, look no further than the pomegranate quinoa bars.

Loaded up with flaxseed powder, protein-rich seed and hemp powder, pomegranate seeds and more, these bars have everything you need to give your body the extra boost to perform to the best of its abilities whether you’re going for a long run or lifting more than you’ve ever done before.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls

Photo: The Healthy Maven

There’s no doubt that blueberry muffins taste absolutely fantastic, but there’s also no getting around the fact that they’re typically quite awful for you — definitely something that doesn’t constitute as a good pre-workout snack!

If you have to have the blueberry muffin taste, however, there’s a solution for you!

We found a recipe for blueberry muffin energy balls, and in addition to packing in the great taste of fresh, blueberry muffins, these energy balls also pack in a good amount of protein and carbs so they give you the energy and fuel required for a solid time at the gym.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Cashew Chocolate Energy Bites

Photo: Gimme Some Oven

Chocolate is something that’s always difficult to say no to, but thanks to these cashew chocolate energy bites, you can say yes to this chocolatey treat without having to feel guilty about it!

These cashew chocolate energy bites are sort of like chocolate chip cookies for grown-ups, but unlike the regular cookies you’ll find at the grocery store, these energy bites actually help to promote weight loss thanks to the uncooked oats that you’ll use to make them.

Add this with a high amount of protein and carbs for a great pre-workout energy boost, and we’re sure this will quickly become one of your top energy bite picks.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Five Seed Bars

Photo: Nourish The Roots

Seeds are often one of the best additions to any energy bar or bite, and this five seed bar takes the power of natural seeds to the next level.

With sunflower, pumpkin, poppy, sesame, and chia seeds all rolled into one single bit, these bars are overflowing with both flavor and fiber. However, this only gets better when you factor in the addition of cocoa powder, dates, and coconut.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Whole Grain Raspberry Energy Bars

Photo: Daily Burn

There are a ton of recipes out there for pre-workout breakfast bars, and while we’ve already covered quite a few of them in this guide, one that remains as a constant favorite are these whole grain raspberry energy bars.

Made with raspberries, flax seeds, and plenty of oats, these bars have a ton of nutrients, B vitamins, magnesium, and more to power you through the most intense of workouts.

This is a recipe that will require you to turn on your oven, and while the prep time is a bit longer than other no-bake options, the time you’ll spend making these will be well worth it once all is said and done.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Strength Training
Avocado Toast With Eggs, Spinach, And Tomatoes

Photo: Two Peas and Their Pod

Popping a couple of slices of bread in the toaster and calling that a complete breakfast is a quick way to get some carbs in your system, but if you want to take boring, old toast to the next level, this recipe will help you do just that.

Essentially what you’re going to do here is get some toast made and then layer it with avocado, spinach, scrambled eggs, and tomato slices. It takes just 10 minutes to get everything prepped and cooked, and the result is a quick bite that’s absolutely loaded with pre-workout goodies to help get you moving.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Lebanese Lemon-Parsley Bean Salad

Photo: Cookie and Kate

Beans are one of the best ways to get extra energy flowing through your body prior to a quality workout, and one of our favorite ways to eat these beans is with the Lebanese lemon-parsley bean salad.

Containing red kidney beans, chickpeas, celery, tomato, cucumber, and more, this salad has everything you could ever want for a pre-workout meal along these lines.

It taste fantastic, is easy to make, and will have you moving and eager to workout in no time at all.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Avocado Chicken Salad

Photo: Pure Wow

When talking about pre-workout snacks/meals that are a bit more on the substantial side of things, one recipe that we often like to suggest here is for an avocado chicken salad.

In addition to the chicken, this recipe calls for avocados, celery, lemon juice, and other ingredients to really ramp up the flavor.

You’ll need about 45 minutes to get from start to finish, and once you’ve got everything cooked and ready to serve, you’ll have a filling and nutritious meal that will leave you feeling more energized than you may be anticipating.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga
Green Smoothie With Avocado And Apple

Photo: Pure Wow

Avocados are good on their own, and the same can be said for apples.

What happens when you add the two together?

In this case, you get a green smoothie that’s bursting with flavor and fuel to push your body through whatever kind of exercise you throw at it.

Take spinach, a Granny Smith apple, coconut water, an avocado, banana, chai seeds, and honey, and blend everything together until you get a nice, smooth consistency. It’s a super quick fix, and it taste like pure heaven.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Cardio, Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Spicy Mango And Avocado Rice Bowl

Photo: Love and Lemons

With summer now officially upon us, finding recipes for pre-workout snacks that will feel you leaving light and refresh is key.

There are many options out there that claim to do the trick, but one that we’ve found to work the best in these regards is for a spicy mango and avocado rice bowl.

With black forbidden rice, tofu, mango, radishes, cucumber, avocado, lime, and more, this light salad has all of the energy-boosting ingredients you need in a fun and light package that we cannot get enough of.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Cardio
DIY Starbucks Protein Box

Photo: The Skinny Fork

Starbucks’ Protein Box promises to give you a solid protein boost to power through your day, and while the components of the Box are good, the high price you’ll pay for this each and every day is something that can quickly add up.

So, why not make your own?

To do this, all you need is a whole wheat english muffin, sliced cheddar cheese, Babybel cheese wedge, peanut butter, an apple, grapes, and a hardboiled egg.

Just throw everything into a little lunchbox, and you’ll have your very own DIY Protein Box!

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, Yoga, Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Vegan Apricot Cherry Energy Bars

Photo: Hello Glow

There are a lot of energy bars out there, but if you need a recipe for one that’s gluten free, dairy free, and completely vegan, your options are a bit more limited.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find great-tasting recipes that still fit the bill for a proper pre-workout bite.

These energy bars are made with pitted dates, cashews, apricots, cherries, shredded coconut, and chia seeds. These ingredients taste wonderfully when added together, and the energy boost that you’ll get is simply undeniable.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Vegan PB & J Energy Bars

Photo: Nutritionist in the Kitch

Sticking with the whole vegan theme, this recipe for vegan PB & J energy bars has quickly turned into one of our favorite ways to relive a childhood classic in a healthier and more nutritious manner.

Thanks to the addition of dates, cranberries, peanuts, and fresh oats, these bars are packed to the gills with protein and other nutrients that are absolutely essential to any pre-workout snack.

With a great taste, easy prep, and plenty of fuel for your body, how could anyone say no to these things?

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan 
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Feel Good Hearty Granola Bars

Photo: Oh She Glows

Those granola bars that you can buy at the grocery store might taste good, but there’s a good chance they don’t fill you up or energize you the way you were hoping.

This is a problem that most store-bought granola bars face, but thankfully you can easily make your own with this recipe for Feel Good Hearty Granola Bars.

These bars contain banana, rolled oats, walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, hemp hearts, and plenty of other goodies that will keep you awake and energized well throughout even the longest workout session you’ve been through yet.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Mulberry, Lavender, and Kale Smoothie

Photo: The Daily Meal

We’ve talked about a lot of smoothies in this guide, and that’s because smoothies are one of the best ways to get your body the fuel and energy it needs right before an intense, sweat-dripping workout.

This particular recipe is one of our most recent finds, and it’s quickly becoming one of our favorites as well.

With plenty of vitamin B6, vitamin C, pectins, fiber, and more, this smoothie is one of the most effective we’ve found yet at keeping you at the ready and energized the entire time you’re either at the gym or out on the running trail.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training
Banana, Almond Milk, and Matcha Energizing Smoothie

Photo: The Daily Meal

Another recent find in the smoothie world is this one for a banana, almond milk, and matcha energizing smoothie.

Romaine lettuce is the biggest green ingredient for this particular drink, and that’s great as it contains a wide array of nutrients and vitamins that are best used in a pre-workout snack form factor.

In addition to this, you’ve also got a lot of nutrition from almonds, lots of minerals from honey, and a simply wonderful taste thanks to the matcha and banana.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga
Homemade Aussie Bites

Photo: My Wholefood Life

At first glance, it may be easy to confuse these homemade Aussie bites for something that’s made for wild birds. The presence of sunflower, chia, and flax seeds all contribute to this idea, but we promise you when we say that the flavor these seeds have when added together with maple syrup, fruit, and oats is shockingly great.

You’ll need to do some cooking to put these bites together, but the total time from start to finish comes out to only 20 minutes or so.

And, in addition to those ingredients tasting great, they’re also all excellent source for protein, fiber, and other energy-boosting goodies.

  • Diet Type(s): Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training
Chocolate Goji Berry Protein Bliss Balls

Photo: Treat Yourself Sweeter

Making “bliss balls” may sound a bit funny to some of you reading this, but once you get over the innuendo joke, this recipe is a real winner that’s sure to be a go-to pre-workout kick for many of you reading this.

Goji berries are quickly becoming quite popular in the health/fitness world thanks to their high antioxidant count, and they get a lot of room to shine here. Plus, when you combine them with chia and pumpkin seeds for added healthy fats, you end up with an energy ball that lives up to its name better than a lot of other options do.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan 
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rasin Balls

Photo: Eat The Gains

Pumpkin cinnamon raisin bread is a favorite for a lot of foodies, and while there’s no doubt the bread taste great, it’s also not the best thing to be putting in your body.

Thankfully, this recipe for pumpkin cinnamon raisin balls has all of the flavor you’ve come to expect from the bread, but without any oil or butter and a whole lot more raisins, walnuts, and pumpkin puree.

These gluten-free snacks are an awesome addition to anyone’s pre-workout snack lineup, and we think they’re best served during the fall months if you want to be as festive as you can be.

  • Diet Type(s): Gluten Free, Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga
Breakfast Fuel Bombs

Photo: Tales of a Kitchen

Working out in the morning is one of our preferred ways to go about tackling the whole exercise thing, and while doing this is great, it does mean that you need to get your body fueled up and ready to go prior to doing so.

If you want the ultimate recipe to help you do this, look no further than the breakfast fuel bombs.

This is a recipe that allows you to get creative with using your favorite dried fruit, seeds, nuts, etc. Whip everything together in a ball form, dip it in some chocolate, and you’ve got a crazy healthy, powerful, and tasty pre-workout bite to get you through the day!

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegetarian
  • Workout Type(s): Yoga, Cardio, High Intensity Interval Training, Strength Training
Peanut Butter Mocha Energy Bites

Photo: Recipe Runner

Before you stop by Starbucks or your local coffee shop to load up on caffeine, why don’t you first give these peanut butter mocha energy bites a shot? Or if you want to avoid it, let me give you a list of no caffeine pre-workout supplements

The taste of espresso is fantastic with this little snack, and thanks to the large amount of carbs, one or two of these will get your body fueled up with plenty of energy to meet that new personal best you’ve been shooting for at the gym for so long.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan
  • Workout Type(s): Strength Training, High Intensity Interval Training
Triple Chocolate Energy Bites

Photo: Kitchen Meets Girl

Eating cookie dough is a guilty pleasure that’s a joy to give into every once and a while, but what if we said that there was a way to have a similar experience but also fill your body with proper energy and fuel for a morning run?

That’s exactly what this recipe for triple chocolate energy bites has to offer, and boy is it something special.

In addition to the rich chocolate flavor, these bites are also quite healthy thanks to the oats, coconut flakes, and flaxseed.

  • Diet Type(s): Raw, Vegan 
  • Workout Type(s): Cardio, Yoga

Conclusion

Hey, you made it to the end!

First off, congratulations. Second, making it to the end of this guide now means that you’ve got no excuse for succumbing to lackluster or unhealthy pre-workout snacks ever again.

All of the recipes on this list will provide you with the energy and fuel your body needs for the best workout of your life as you need to make sure that you should be eating carbs and fats before a workout, and of course, feel free to tinker with anything on here to make it fit your lifestyle and taste perfectly.

For more training enhancement options, check out the top picks we've reviewed at Health Listed here. And for all the ladies out there, this guide will be your new best friend.

Now, stop reading this guide and get to making some awesome pre-workout snacks before your next workout session!

eating carbs and fats before a workout

Last Updated on September 5, 2022

Jake Willhoite
 

Jake is a health and fitness nerd (which is why he founded this site!) who strives to take care of himself as best as possible while enjoying the world we live in. He loves traveling, working out, and playing basketball with friends.

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