Hack Your Workout With These 4 Snacks

You’ve already packed your gym bag, schlepped it to the office, and turned down a happy hour invite. You’re almost ready to feel the burn — you just need an energy-boosting snack.

Like your exercise of choice, gym fuel isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s because different workouts provide different benefits and make different demands on your body. Anything aerobic (think running, swimming, or dancing) stimulates your heart and breathing rates, boosting cardiovascular health. Anaerobic, strength-training workouts (like squats or using resistance bands) improve muscle tone and flexibility and require a different type of energy.

One thing holds true, whether you’re lifting weights or perfecting your butterfly stroke: “Do not forget to drink water before, during, and after exercising,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, author of The Flexitarian Diet and the nutrition consultant for the Chicago Cubs. “Hydration is key to feeling energized and decreasing injuries.”

Now, here's what to chew on.