When it comes to fuelling a workout, your mind might go to the usual suspects: protein shakes, protein bars, or maybe even a banana for a quick boost of energy. But did you know that the humble bean is actually a workout powerhouse!
These little legumes are packed full of good stuff that help power you through a workout, recover quicker, and contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. So however you like to get your exercise fix, here’s why beans are your new best friend in the gym.
1. Rich in Protein
It’s no secret that foods rich in protein make great snacks for before and after exercise. Protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth after a workout. Of course, beans are an excellent plant-based protein source. How ever you want to get a sweat on, whether you’re into weightlifting, running, or yoga, your muscles need the right amount of protein to rebuild and strengthen. The fava beans we use in The Honest Bean Co snacks contain a significant amount of protein without the saturated fat found in animal products. Our roasted fava bean snacks contain around 10g of protein for every 40g serving (the recommended protein intake for an adult is 45-55g) making them the perfect snack or a crunchy addition to any post-workout meal.
2. Packed with Carbs for Energy
So, protein might be great for our muscles but we need to get energy to fuel our workout too. Carbohydrates are our body’s preferred source of energy, which is especially important when we’re pushing ourselves to workout harder. The complex carbohydrates found in beans are digested slowly, providing a steady and sustained release of energy to power through an exercise session. Unlike sugars, which can give energy spikes followed shortly by energy crashes, the carbs found in fava beans are great for endurance, helping to power through long and hard workouts.
Our 40g Roasted Fava Bean Snack packs are the perfect portion size for an energy top-up before a workout.
3. High in Dietary Fibre
Beans are naturally high in fibre, which is great for digestive health and satiety (feeling fuller/satisfied for longer). After a big workout, the temptation to reach for unhealthy snacks can be strong, but the fibre in beans can help to regulate your appetite. Not only does this promote better digestion, but it can also prevent feeling “hangry” post-workout, ensuring you get the right balance of nutrition without overindulging.
4. Packed with vitamins and minerals
Not satisfied with just being rich in protein and dietary fibre, beans are also a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals. You can find more detail about the vitamin and mineral content of fava beans here. To name just a few, beans are a great source of iron, magnesium, potassium.
Beans – A nutritional powerhouse
Whether you’re training for a marathon, going for a surf, lifting weights or heading to a ballet class, beans should be a regular feature in your workout fuel. Their rich combination of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, and micronutrients make them nutritional powerhouses helping to power workouts, fuel faster recovery and support overall health. In addition, they’re affordable, sustainable and great for the planet. So next time you’re picking up a pre-workout snack or post-workout meal, don’t forget the beans!
