The Best Snacks to Fuel Your Workout

POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

You've got to have energy to have an effective workout, so let your pre-workout snack help you push yourself to do your best. What works for you the best will depend on when you eat your snack as well as any stomach sensitivity issues you have, but a good rule of thumb is to make your snack a mix of mostly carbs and a little bit of protein for exercise success. Here are a few pre-workout snack ideas that do just that!

Apple Slices and Yogurt Peanut Butter Dip
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Apple Slices and Yogurt Peanut Butter Dip

Mix nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt with peanut butter and cinnamon to make an extracreamy dip that goes well with apple slices (use one medium apple) and offers the right amount of energy for your workout.

Vegan Energy Balls
POPSUGAR Studios

Vegan Energy Balls

You can make a batch of these vegan energy balls well before your next workout, then freeze any extra for months. The blend of ingredients offers you just the right amount of protein and carbs to fuel you through any workout.

Protein Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Protein Smoothie

An easy-to-digest protein smoothie is a great option if you need to fuel up before a workout, and this vanilla protein smoothie is perfect. This smoothie is slightly sweet and simple to make, and you can easily whip it up not too long before your workout. For more smoothies, check out our healthy smoothie recipes roundup.

Fruit and Oatmeal
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Fruit and Oatmeal

For a long run or intense workout, you need the right fuel to keep your energy up. A small bowl of plain oatmeal (not the packaged kind), a little sweetener (like dark chocolate), and a sliced banana will keep you full and ready to go.

Peanut Butter Protein Balls
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

These peanut butter protein balls are a quick fix when you need a new pre-workout snack. They are a cinch to make, and chances are you already have all the ingredients you need in your kitchen.

Hummus Toast
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Hummus Toast

Topping toast simply with hummus helps fuel your workout with carbs and protein. Take a cue from this hummus and sun-dried tomato crostini appetizer, or top your hummus toast with whatever you choose.

Trail Mix
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Trail Mix

Trail mix is the ultimate grab-and-go snack, but make sure you choose your trail mix wisely; store-bought mix can include too much salt, preservatives, or sugary candies to be beneficial to your goals. Try making your own with dried fruit, nuts, and seeds for the right mix to fuel your workout. Here are more tips on making healthy trail mix.

Greek Yogurt
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Greek Yogurt

Adding cereal, granola, or fruit to your Greek yogurt gives your snack a satisfying crunch as well as a much-needed dose of carbs for your workout.

Honey Almond Butter and Apple
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Honey Almond Butter and Apple

Just like dessert: mix one banana, a spoonful of honey, a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, and one tablespoon of almond butter together; spread on apple slices; and enjoy. This snack will sustain you during any intense workout!

Fruit and Nut Bars
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Fruit and Nut Bars

You can make a whole batch of these fruit and nut bars at the beginning of the week and throw them into your gym bag as necessary. At only 150 calories, these all-natural bars will give you the energy you need and nothing else!

Chocolate Oats
POPSUGAR Photography | Jaime Young

Chocolate Oats

The oats in these energy bars will help regulate your body's blood sugars to keep your glucose levels steady, and the chocolate chips give you the instant energy you need for an intense workout.

No-Bake Apricot Almond Butter Bites
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

No-Bake Apricot Almond Butter Bites

These vegan apricot almond butter bites are the perfect sweet snack for before a workout.

Coconut Almond Energy Bars
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Coconut Almond Energy Bars

These protein- and carb-packed energy bars are the perfect snack to grab while you're getting ready for a workout. Almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds fill you up, while honey and dates will give you the carbs you need while you sweat.

Apple, Orange, and Almond Spread
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Apple, Orange, and Almond Spread

This sweet apple almond spread offers quick carbs and a little protein to fuel your next workout.