Workout Foods

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Working out is only one half of the battle when it comes to staying in shape. The other half is eating right, which may seem impossible to do when you’re stuck on campus, and pizza places deliver. While you might be tired of trekking to the Diner, there are actually plenty of options there for pre- and post-workout snacks.

Pre-Workout

Before working out, it’s important to munch of foods that will give you lots of energy. Look for fruits, whose natural healthy sugars will boost your energy levels and push you through that last set of reps.

If fruit on its own isn’t your style, try PB & B toast. Peanut butter and bananas on whole-wheat toast is a great open-faced snack to fuel your workout. The Diner has all three ingredients and a toaster, making it a completely feasible option.

Another great combination is fruit and cottage cheese. Cottage cheese is low in fat and high in protein, perfect before heading to the gym. Try pineapple or blueberries, or even an entire medley of fruit.

To avoid fruit altogether, try a small salad before working out. A healthy dose of greens—such as spinach—and veggies or nuts will help your body prepare for the impending gym time. Just be sure to limit the amount of fatty toppings, such as sunflower seeds, and avoid heavy dressings.

Post-Workout

It’s hard to make a protein shake when you live in a dorm and don’t have a blender, and the only shakes that the Diners make are of the milk variety. The good news is that you don’t need a shake or smoothie to revamp after a workout. Just eat one of the following snacks within two hours of working out to regain energy and start repairing muscle tissue.

Grilled chicken and mixed vegetables is a meal packed with nutrients the body needs after a workout. Grilled chicken breasts can be acquired from the diner without a problem, and use veggies from the salad bar for a color side dish.

While it may seem counter-productive, chocolate milk is a sweet way to recharge post-workout. It has protein for muscle building, water for hydration, and just the right amount of sugar to replenish lost energy.

Turkey is packed with iron, helping oxygen move through the body and keeping energy levels up. Try a turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread at the Diner instead of the usual buffalo chicken wrap.