Of course you need a good pair of shoes, a water bottle and comfortable clothes to work out. But you need more than your cool new sneakers to stay in shape. Regardless if you’re on a brand new fitness journey or were born an athlete, there are three pantry items you must have to maintain your success”¦and your sanity.

High-quality protein
If your muscles are working hard, they need protein to help them repair and rebuild. The good news is you don’t have to eat pounds of baked chicken to get your daily requirements. Besides, your busy life doesn’t always leave you time to cook. That’s why you can easily reach for ready-to-drink shakes and low-calorie powders. See, there’s no excuse for not getting enough protein in your diet.
Top-of-the-line pre-workouts
Look for a pre-workout formula that helps increase intensity, mental focus, endurance and energy levels to ensure you make big gains. When you feel weighed down from all the holiday stress, a good pre-workout will ignite your engine and push you through that tired-body feeling. You’ll be up and going in no time!
Pre-planned meals
With a lot of high-calorie get-togethers on your plate, aim to have a small snack or mini-meal before you go. Pick foods that are nutritious and easy to prepare, so you’re more likely to eat them. Scrumptious soups are a good choice, because they fill up your stomach. It’s also a good idea to keep a protein bar in your bag or car for when you’re really in a time crunch. Planning ahead will help curb your cravings and keep you away from the all-you-can-eat buffet that’s laden with high fatty foods. Your waistline won’t miss a thing!