The Fitness Trend of Honey and Salt Before Workouts
A new trend is making waves on TikTok, where users are touting a mix of honey and salt as a pre-workout energy boost. Some enthusiasts suggest that this simple kitchen duo can mimic the benefits of typical pre-exercise supplements designed to enhance performance and energy levels.
In social media videos, influencers are often seen pouring honey onto spoons, or even using their hands, then adding salt. This combination is thought to provide quick energy due to its content of rapidly digesting carbohydrates and sodium, making it a popular option before hitting the gym.
Robin Decicco, a certified holistic nutritionist, mentioned in a recent discussion that this practice makes sense. She explains that the blend of carbohydrates and sodium can indeed be beneficial for workouts. “Carb-based snacks, often paired with a bit of protein or healthy fats, are usually recommended before exercise as they aid in sustained energy and muscle recovery,” she noted. Alternatives like applesauce or fruit juices can serve a similar purpose.
Decicco speculates that honey’s popularity stems from its rapid digestion into the bloodstream. However, she doesn’t advocate relying solely on honey and salt. Instead, she suggests combining them with more complex snacks like whole grain crackers or bananas with peanut butter. These options, she argues, could offer a more balanced energy source throughout a workout.
“It’s ideal to enjoy such snacks one or two hours before exercising, with honey and salt consumed right after,” Decicco advises. Additionally, she highlights the importance of electrolytes, recommending intake before, during, and after physical activity to stave off dehydration, especially during intense sessions.
In her view, alternatives such as coconut water or sea salt mixed into water can provide comparable benefits to honey. The overall takeaway? While this honey-salt trend could be worth a try, a more diversified approach to pre-workout nutrition may yield better results.
