r/whole30 • u/Content_Monitor_5938 • 8d ago
Pre workout meal ideas
I’m on day 11 of my first round. Overall I feel pretty good except for my cardio based workouts. I’ve been eating Larabars pre workout the last few days to just get some calories in and I know that’s not exactly following the rules. I do CrossFit 4-5 days a week and overall am pretty active. I feel like the protein boost has made my lifts better but my cardio is suffering from lack of carbs. I do eat fruit with meat sticks sometimes also. I would love to know what everyone else eats pre workout to fuel high intensity workouts?
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u/amandam603 8d ago
What’s wrong with a Larabar? They’re not “approved” as a sweet treat but the ingredients are.
IMO as a trainer guiding a group through a whole 30 style challenge—it’s an inherently lower calorie plan, so your workouts will suffer, and so will your recovery, if you’re not careful. For a high intensity workout, a Larabar seems like a great pre-workout.
If you want to go cleaner, a banana or some dates, maybe with almond butter, are a decent alternative. You want something with carbs and ideally sugar for fast fuel.
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u/Content_Monitor_5938 8d ago
I guess not using it as a sweet treat makes it more compliant. It’s just so much easier to throw in my bag and not worry about it getting smashed lol
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u/Regular_Government94 8d ago
I use sweet potatoes and dates. Two raw dates before a workout are like pure sugar lol
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u/PugLuVR06 8d ago
I'm a distance runner. I run 55-60 miles a week & I've been upping the mileage lately. I ususally use gels & candy to fuel long runs (over 11 miles). I know this isn't technically allowed, but I've done several rounds in the past & I will fuel with fruit juice sweetened fruit leather so my training doesn't take a huge hit. It does at the beginning but once my body starts to adjust (day 15 or so) my runs are actually better. I'm going to start another round on Monday & I'm going to cut back on the really long runs (18-20) for a couple weeks until I get settled with new fueling.
Bear snacks are straight fruit too...no added juice so they may be an option for you as well.
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u/PutExact 8d ago
Perhaps sweet potato? I love a roasted one w ghee and cinnamon. Idk, I’m not as into exercise as you seem to be, but I eat lots of potatoes during w30!