Hangry – definition: When you are so hungry that your lack of food causes you to become angry, frustrated or both.
It’s official. I am the hungriest person on the planet. It was touch and go between my sister and I for some time…..but I have surprised even myself this last few weeks.
So this is the deal…..its not how much you eat (although that does play a huge part!!!) but rather WHAT you eat and WHEN.
Eating properly helps ensure that your muscles have enough energy to power through your workout and also prevents low blood sugar after physical activity that can cause dizziness and fatigue.
Week 37 bump progress – and probably my last visit to the gym as I am WRECKED!
Here are some pre-workout snack ideas that are simple – none of that complicated whey protein powder supplement malarky……just real food that will keep the munchies at bay & benefit you while you work out.
- Creamy Peanutty Apple Slices
This is SERIOUSLY good – even as a TV snack!
2 ounces vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash of agave/maple syrup if you wish
Mix & spread on a sliced apple.
- Banana & 1/2 cup Greek Yoghurt
Bananas are loaded with carbs and the yoghurt has lots of protein so if eaten 30 mins prior to workout this is great.
- 2 tbsp almond butter on celery sticks
Grab on the go from the fridge! And yes……I need a manicure!
Best for muscle building.
- Popeye Special Smoothie
2 cups (500 mL) frozen spinach broken into pieces (using frozen makes it frothier than fresh spinach does)
2 bananas
1 cup (250 mL) apple juice
The nitrates in spinach results in your muscles using less oxygen – which equals improved muscle performance.
- Banana Walnut Smoothie
500 mL milk of choice (skim or almond)
1 large banana – frozen is my preference
1 tbsp honey/agave
a few drops vanilla extract
Handful walnut pieces
Whizz all ingredients together – I use my nutribullet.
Pink is what I really use for the gym – the fancy glass jar is just styling’ it for the blog – even a shake wants to look dolled up from time to time!!!
Eating bananas before a strenuous workout can sustain your blood sugar & protect against muscle cramps during workouts. It’s a great way to eat a sweet snack that doesn’t ruin your diet. An average banana has around 110 calories.
Your body mainly uses the carbohydrates you eat before a workout as its energy source but will also obtain carbohydrates through any energy reserves your body contains. Having a banana after your work out is a great way to replenish carbohydrates after your workout too.
So there you have it – hopefully there is something there for everyone’s taste. They are simple to make – the hard bit I guess in going down the gym and doing the actual work out after the snack!!
But you won’t regret it!!!
Yours, being a hypocrite with her pregnant feet up and counting down to bubs arrival,
Cli xx
Hi Cliona I love the blog, the stories about the kids especially and the nutrition tips. I’ve an 18 month old boy so l love the stories about Ollie, he was in creche with for a little while in the butterfly room! Just wondering if you can recommend any ‘superfood’/supplement that’s good for skin, hair etc and just general well being. Must try the flaxseed you mentioned in earlier post. Karen