Before you workout, it is beneficial to eat a small meal that combines both a carbohydrate and a protein. Your muscles need carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains for quick energy. In addition, your body needs protein to bring nutrients and oxygen to your muscles.
To avoid getting into a rut, here is a simple list of both healthy carbohydrates and proteins. Pick one from each category to customize your own Four Paws Up pre-workout snack. Plus as an added bonus, all of these foods are safe for your pup to sneak a bite![1]
| PROTEINS | CARBOHYDRATES |
| 1-2 tablespoons almond butter | 1 apple sliced |
| ½ cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt | whole grain crackers (2 Wasa, 4 Ak-Mak, 3 Flackers) |
| 3 slices turkey breast | ½ cup cooked oatmeal |
| ¼ cup hummus | 1 banana |
| 1 hardboiled egg | ¼ cup dried unsweetened fruit |
| ½ cup canned tuna | ½ whole wheat pita or 1 piece sprouted grain Ezekiel bread |
| ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese | ½ cup blueberries, raspberries or strawberries |
| 10 raw almonds, cashews or walnut halves | 1 brown rice cake or 2 brown rice thins |
| 1 piece part-skim string cheese | raw vegetables |
[1] Be sure to avoid crackers that contain onion and/or garlic if you are sharing with your doggy.