Best Pre-Workout Snacks for Morning Exercise

2 pieces whole wheat toast with 1 tablespoon Low-fat cream cheese and 2 oz. smoked salmon, 2 slices tomato

This combination of complex carbohydrates and protein is a winning pre-workout meal. You have a healthy carb for lasting energy plus a quality protein that supports muscle repair and growth. Salmon contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which besides being incredibly healthy, seem to affect metabolism. Omega-3 alters levels of leptin, a hormone that directly influences metabolism and determines whether you burn calories or store them as fat. Consuming fish increases the levels of fat-burning enzymes in your body and decreases the levels of fat-storage enzymes. It's been shown to boost your metabolism by as much as 400 calories per day.

Nutritional Information: 215 calories, 7g fat, 2g sat fat, 16g protein, 24g carbs, 4g fiber

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD, developed the F-Factor Diet, a weight-loss and optimal health program based on fiber-rich nutrition. She works in private practice in Manhattan and wrote two books: The F-Factor Diet: Discover the Secret to Permanent Weight Loss, and The Miracle Carb Diet: Make Calories and Fat Disappear the F-Factor Way.