11 Best Breakfasts to Eat Before Your Workout

To eat or not to eat before a workout tends to be a grueling question of interest amongst exercisers. But the direction of which to choose is not exactly one-sided and rather individualized, as some exercisers perform better when not running on empty. So for those who thrive in the gym with fuel from food, look no further than these best pre-workout breakfast ideas!

What to Eat Before a Morning Workout

Pre-workout breakfast options should predominately be simple to prepare and digest, aiming to eat at least 30 minutes leading up to your workout. Think about it: If you are already waking up early to tackle a workout, you may not necessarily want to wake up earlier just to allow the body to digest your breakfast…

So instead, cut down on the portion sizes and the quantity you choose to consume, which should mostly consist of easy-to-digest carb and protein. Also limit the amount of fiber and fat, as a high amount may lead to gastrointestinal distress.

As time goes on, you will start identifying what foods you best tolerate (and which ones you do not…). But if looking for somewhere to start or inspiration, here are 12 pre-workout breakfasts ideas before your morning gym session!

11 Pre-Workout Breakfast Ideas

1. Coffee

Okay, though coffee may not be breakfast per se, sometimes all you may need is that caffeinated cup of coffee to tackle a morning workout!

2. Chocolate Milk

While chocolate milk is touted as one of the most ultimate post-workout recovery options, it can also serve as a valuable pre-workout fuel related to its natural carb and protein content.

3. Banana and Peanut Butter

For quick, on-the-go fuel, half a banana and lightly smear with peanut butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon as desired for extra flavor and sweetness.

4. Jellied Toast

The carbs and sugars from a slice of bread and jelly offers quick energy for your early morning workout! Feel free to add a light smear of almond or peanut butter.

5. Rice Cake and Almond Butter

But if a slice of toast is too dense or heavy for your tummy to handle, opt for a light rice cake smeared with almond butter.

6. Pancake

(But not the whole stack…) One single, small pancake can quickly and appropriately supply fuel for your workout. Make a batch ahead of time and pop one out as needed, eating it while heading to the gym.

7. Applesauce

The fiber content of apples may be tough to digest right before a workout. Softening them down to applesauce is easier on the tummy, all while supplying quick energy. But rather than purchasing store-bought applesauce that often contains added sugar and high fructose corn syrup, try one of these healthy homemade applesauce recipes.

8. Energy Ball

Prepare portioned energy balls for a pre-workout breakfast and convenient burst of energy leading up to gym time.

9. Trail Mix

Trail mix is extremely valuable before a workout, as most trail mixes combine naturally-occurring carbs and protein. Just keep portions limited to the size of your fist, as the nuts are a hefty supply of healthy fat and calories.

10. Smoothie

A 6-ounce smoothie serving consumed within 30 minutes is recommended to trigger energy without feeling overly full. In a rushed morning, whip up this energizing peach, raspberry, basil smoothie or experiment with flavors using this guide.

11. Yogurt Parfait

If time is on your side, sit down to a yogurt parfait, topping plain Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh blueberries, little sprinkle of granola, and dash of cinnamon. But if crunched for time, simply cut out the toppings and opt for a spoon and small container of yogurt.