5 Pre-workout foods to lose weight & amp up your energy

I don't know about you but one of the things that keeps me from going to the gym more regularly comes down to simply being too exhausted. I'm usually too sleepy to go in the morning and too full to go after dinner. Heading for my workout during lunch sometimes works, but other times I'm too busy or get so distracted that, by the time I realize what happened, I'm starving and exercise is no longer a viable option. 

So what's a girl to do if I'm really trying to commit myself to going to the gym but I don't want to be too tired when I do it? Well, here's where I can rely on one genius list of 5 pre-workout foods that are going to help me lose weight and boost my energy to get my bum to the gym and exercising. Don't you want to try one of these, too?

Read more ¿Qué más? How to get over feeling 'too fat' to get to the gym

Papaya Milkshake

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Thinkstock

When I'm planning to have a really intense workout, then I know that I'm really going to need a protein and sugar fix. That's when I go for an old favorite and make this delicious papaya milk shake recipe.

Almonds

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HealthAliciousNess/flickr

Almonds are my favorite because they're full of protein and you only need a small handful to become satisfied. Luckily, though, they pack just the right nutrients you need to get some extra pre-exercise energy.

Greek Yogurt

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iateapie/flickr

When I'm feeling especially tired, Greek yogurt is the one snack that I lean on the most. It's absolutely FULL of protein plus, as an added bonus, it also helps to lower my blood pressure while I'm at it! YUM.

Bananas

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Fernando Stankuns/flickr

Potassium-rich bananas have just a little bit of sweetness and just enough fiber to perk me up a little bit, which is why I love them as a pre-gym snack. Even better, though, is combining them with Greek yogurt for an even more powerful punch!

Pretzels

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Jeni Rodger/flickr

When you want just a little bit of a salty crunch before working out, I like to rely on pretzels for a carb kick. However, you have to make sure to drink PLENTY of water since the salt can make you a little dehydrated.