As you can see from yesterday’s training recap, I’m working out and running in the early mornings as much as possible to get the exercise in before the day gets going. Today’s Friday Five linkup with me, Eat Pray Run DC and Mar on the Run is themed “Food and Drink” so I thought it would be a great time to talk about 5 Things to Eat Before a Workout.
I’m about to start training with a triathlon coach again and getting on a half Ironman training plan for my fourth and fifth half Ironmans this year, which is still unbelievable to me. This just wasn’t ever something I imagined in the past but I love it. My fueling needs are pretty simple – I need something that will give me energy and sustain me for the run, bike, swim, workout, or the race. I’m not someone who can do it on an empty stomach without getting cranky or running out of energy mid-workout.
All my nutrition must be peanut-free. While my youngest has cleared several of his food allergies, he is still allergic to peanuts and it’s dangerous to have them in the house. I’ve incorporated almonds back into my life, and I’ve gotten fairly addicted to almond butter. And I’m able to have bars with nuts in them and not feel like I am putting him in danger. So here are some things I eat before a workout!
5 Things to Eat Before a Workout
1. Toast with almond butter (and sometimes sliced banana). I love this as a pre- or post-workout fuel option. I typically use whole grain or 15 grain or whatever yummy bread I have in the house, but often I make my own bread (recipe here). The whole family loves that bread the best and it is just awesome with some almond butter. I didn’t have any made this week so I made it with regular bread. I don’t always slice bananas, it depends on how hungry I am. Add cinnamon for extra flavor.
2. Honey Stinger Waffles. These are a go-to staple for when I want something quick and easy. I keep these in my car or gym bag, and eat one on the way to a workout. No planning, no thought, no time needs to be put into these. The only problem is they are really crumbly and I find that when I open the package they make a mess in my car.
3. Date/nut bars. I am exiting a phase of supreme addiction to date/nut bars of various varieties. For a while I ate one a day. I have learned that too many dates messes with my stomach, so I’m trying to cut back. But pre-workout I’ll often grab a Larabar or a Kit’s Organic bar (made by Clif Bar & Company).
The ingredients are very simple – dates, nuts, and sometimes seeds or lemon juice or something else pretty natural. No additives. I like the energy from the dates, and the sustenance from the nuts. Many are Whole 30 compliant as well.
4. A banana. Simple, easy to grab, quick to eat. I often just eat a banana before a short workout. I can’t do just a banana before a hard intensity or longer workout though.
5. Greek or Icelandic yogurt with granola. I have a love affair with Greek yogurt but I’m loving Icelandic yogurt as well – it’s lower sugar and I love the texture. I add some granola or muesli and berries if I have them on hand. Here’s my Yogurt & Granola Parfait I love so much – recipe here.
As you can see, I need quick and easy. I know people love to eat oatmeal before a workout, but it tends to just sit in my stomach and weigh me down. I love oatmeal but not right before working out. And eggs – I’m a huge egg lover but typically enjoy them after a workout.
What do you eat before a workout? Check out these 5 ideas!
Click To Tweet
What is your go to thing to eat before a workout?
The post 5 Things To Eat Before a Workout appeared first on You Signed Up For WHAT?!.