Are you curious about the best breakfasts to eat before any workout? Before a hard workout, fueling your body with the proper nutrients is essential.
Foods high in protein and carbs give you the energy your body needs to power through even the toughest workouts.
This article will cover 7 of the best breakfasts to eat before a workout. Plus, we will discuss which foods to avoid as well.
1. Oatmeal Made with Milk
Oatmeal is an excellent carbohydrate source that fuels your body with the energy it needs to work out. Nature provided oats with nutritional value, but they also digest slowly, allowing your body to receive energy throughout your workout. Making your oatmeal with milk gives this breakfast a healthy serving of protein, which helps to build stronger muscles.
2. Fruit Smoothie
Make a fruit smoothie for breakfast for a quick and easy morning meal that provides protein, carbs, and a good dose of dietary fiber. You can use either fresh fruits or organic fruit powders to make your smoothie. Organic fruit powders are an excellent option, as they have a high nutritional value and a long shelf life, guaranteeing your fruit source won’t go to waste.
3. A Handful of Cereal or Granola
Some people prefer very light meals before working out. A handful of cereal or granola can be an excellent option for a light meal still packed with the carbs and nutritional value you need. When choosing cereal or granola, look for brands that include whole grains and dried fruits. Also, it is good to avoid cereals or granolas with added sugar.
4. Bananas
Believe it or not, a banana alone can be an excellent breakfast choice before hitting the gym. Nature packed bananas with the nutrients needed before a workout, offering roughly 20 to 30 grams of carbohydrates and 1 to 3 grams of protein. Eating two bananas doubles these servings while still being a light meal great for before the gym.
5. One Slice of Toast with Jam
Whole-grain bread offers not only a hefty serving of carbohydrates but can contain between 5 to 10 grams of protein per slice.
Combined with a jam made from fresh fruits, your toast and jam breakfast can become the perfect pre-workout meal.
The sugar from the jam and the carbs from the bread will give you the energy you need, while the protein from the bread will help your muscles grow and repair themselves.
6. A Cup of Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the best power foods around — especially Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt contains hefty amounts of carbs and protein, making it an excellent source of all the nutritional value you need before going to the gym. Plus, you can increase the health factor of Greek yogurt by adding fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, or granola.
7. A Hard-Boiled Egg and Grapes
Hard-boiled eggs are a fantastic breakfast option, as they are packed with protein and super convenient to prepare the night before. To liven up your hard-boiled breakfast, add a serving of grapes. Grapes are high in carbs, helping to provide your body with the energy you need for an excellent training session.
Foods to Avoid Before a Workout
While there are foods that are great before a workout, there are also foods you should avoid. The most important foods to avoid can disrupt your digestive system and cause gas, bloating, or other unwanted stomach issues while at the gym. These foods include:
- Spicy foods
- Veggies with raffinose (raffinose is a sugar that ferments in your gut, causing gas. Examples include broccoli, kale, and other cruciferous vegetables)
- Beans
- High-fat foods
The Last Word on the Best Breakfasts to Eat Before Every Type of Workout
Finding the best meal before your workouts are key to building a healthy lifestyle and routine. Try out the above breakfast ideas and find out what works best for your lifestyle and meal preferences.
Bio: Isabella is an experienced nutritionist and a passionate freelance writer. She uses her knowledge and experience to write about trending nutrition topics and develop a healthy and joyous relationship with food and the body. Her tips help to make healthier lifestyle choices.
