Pre and post workout food/drinks can be used for both fuel and recovery. While it isn’t necessary to use either, pre workout fuel can help with endurance and boost performance. Post workout recovery options can help with muscle repair, reduce soreness, and improve recovery.
For a long time, I didn’t use anything outside of a snack before a run and then a banana or peanut butter afterwards. As my training starts to increase and workouts are getting longer, I thought I would dabble in the world of pre and post work out options.
Pre-Workout: Sports Beans
What is it? Sports Beans are essentially performance jelly beans.
Per the manufacturer: A study performed on 16 healthy cyclists (male and female) required them to complete four 10k time trials where each time trial was fueled by a different supplement and/or just water. The athletes experienced a 32/38 second improvement in their times when using Sports Beans.
Average Amazon Review: 4/5 stars
Price Point: Approximately $26 for a 24 pack of 1 ounce bag
My Review: So far, I like this product. The packaging says to consume 30 minutes prior to working out – I did not feel a huge boost of energy prior to my run. However, I did feel a more sustained energy during my run. One concern I had (since I run in the evening) was that these would keep me at night but they did not. I get tired around my normal time and seem to sleep just fine when I use them. One other added benefit is the packaging. It is nice and small so they are easy to carry in a jersey, flip belt, or bike pouch. For me, this gets a 4/5 stars.
Pre-Workout: CLIF Bloks
What is it? Chewable energy cubes to boost electrolytes.
Per the manufacturer: They interestingly don’t have any research (that I could find) on their website. It simply says this is a quick, energy chew for athletes to use while training and racing.
Average Amazon Review: 4.5/5 stars
Price Point: Approximately $18 for an 18 count package.
My Review: This is a new product I have not used yet. But stay tuned!
Pre-Workout: Beachbody Energize
What is it? A lemon or fruit punch powder to be added to water that helps with energy and endurance.
Per the manufacturer: The website states that it has a combination of ergogenic ingredients and phytonutrients that are scientifically shown to improve performance, sharpen focus, and delay muscle fatigue. I did not find any precise research.
Average Amazon Review: Not available on Amazon
Price Point: $49.95 for a 40 serving container, unless you have access to a discount.
My Review: I have been using this consistently for about two weeks before my morning workouts. It feels like it gives me a good jolt of energy right before. Now I will say, you see on IG a lot other consumers saying their face gets “tingley” – I have not experienced that. Nevertheless, I am going to try a couple morning workouts without, just to see how I feel. Waking up at 3:55AM every day regardless is tough, if this helps kick start me, then I may keep buying it – if not, I won’t continue with my purchase. Outside of performance benefits, it does taste good. But it is messy, I seem to get a bunch on my fingers every day. For me this gets a 3.5/5 stars.
Post Workout: Beachbody Recovery
What is it? A chocolate flavored, plant based recovery drink that you add to water post workout.
Per the manufacturer: The website states it uses ingredients scientifically shown to speed muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and promote lean-muscle growth. I did not find any specific references to research.
Average Amazon Review: Not available on Amazon
Price Point: $69.95 for a 20 serving container, unless you have access to a discount.
My Review: I’ll admit I have only used this product a few times but did not feel a huge difference. Some of my workouts have gotten more intense so I’m going to use more consistently and see how I feel. Nevertheless, it does taste really good – almost exactly like rich chocolate milk. Until I am able to test it out a few more times – my initial reaction is that I’m not convinced this is worth the investment. At a steep cost of $3.50 per serving, the average customer that uses this daily would need to purchase this more than once a month and is looking at $140/month, not including taxes & shipping. I have this 3 out of 5 stars for now.
Post Workout: CLIF Nut Butter Filled Bars
What is it? A nut butter filled energy bar.
Per the manufacturer: The Clif kitchen brings nut butter inside an organic energy bar to deliver sustained energy.
Average Amazon Review: 4.5/5 stars
Price Point: Approximately $15 per box of 12
My Review: I have loved these for a long time. They are just ridiculously tasty and after doing a hard workout it can be just the right balance of carbs and fat! Known for being all organic & non-GMO; CLIF bars also have magnesium which helps boost exercise performance, reduce inflammation, and convert food to energy. My review is 4.5/5 – my only knock is you cannot find these everywhere.
Post Workout: Peanut Butter
What is it? Self explanatory. Who doesn’t love peanut butter?
My Review: I mean, it’s peanut butter. One of my favorite foods. Plus this snack has a good balance of fat, carbs, and protein which is a great way to restore glycogen after a workout! Peanut Butter is also chocked full of vitamin E, which can help reduce damage caused by oxidants.
What are you go to’s for pre and post workout fuel? Comment below!
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