What to Eat Before a Workout in the Morning

Morning routines are great to adhere to, as they can set the tone for the rest of your day. Exercise is a great addition to any morning routine and energizes you for the work ahead. Knowing what to eat before a workout in the morning is just as important as choosing which kind of workout to complete. Try out some of these delicious breakfast foods when you’re not sure what you can use to fuel your upcoming activity.

The Best Breakfast Foods

You have to know what to eat before a workout in the morning. It might be different from the typical breakfast you’re used to, but this food will fuel you for your upcoming workout and give you enough energy to push your body to its limits. These breakfasts might take a bit of work and preparation, but they’re delicious enough to pay for all the work you do.

1. Eggs

Nothing quite lives up to the incredible egg. For all the ways you can make them, they still pack the same amount of protein, keeping you full and ready for a workout. All eggs are made of 10% protein, with the other 90% being water. They’re a delicious and nutritious addition to your breakfast.

Eggs work great as a side item for any breakfast and don’t do much to weigh you down during a workout. You can pair them with just about anything, making them immensely versatile. They’re a great food to eat during a long-form workout that might last over an hour.

2. Banana

Bananas are light and good for you, no matter how long your workout is. If you plan to work out for longer than an hour, you definitely want to pair it with something. Alone, a banana can give you what you need to reap all the benefits of a workout. Plus, more potassium when you have low levels of it means that you may cramp less when completing an activity.

3. Whole-Grain Toast

Toast is a great way to keep you moving throughout your workout, especially if you plan to clock in at under half an hour of activity. While this item wouldn’t be a full breakfast on its own, it works great as a snack that can keep your sugar up and help you stay active. You can rely on carbohydrates for the energy you need during a workout, and it can help preserve muscle after your workout.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is easy to make, and you can even make your breakfast the night before if you want to try a trendy overnight oats recipe. This option is great for anyone hoping for a serious workout in the morning, as oatmeal works overtime to keep you full and energized during an intense workout that lasts longer than an hour. 

It might be a little too heavy for shorter workouts, though. Save this treat for days you plan to work out for longer periods. Make sure to add some healthy berries to your oatmeal for a sugar and flavor boost. Your body will thank you for the nutritional elements you’ve added to the first meal of your day.

5. Breakfast Sandwich

Breakfast sandwiches are great options for people who plan to do strength training first thing in the morning. Make sure the sandwich has healthy ingredients. You may want to put egg and cheese on the sandwich — that way, you can be sure you’ll have enough protein and energy to carry you through a difficult workout.

Picking your sandwich ends is also important. You can use a toasted English muffin, which is a great source of many different nutrients and could make a welcome addition to your breakfast.

You might also opt for whole-grain, sprouted bread to help you get the nutrients you need.

Should You Work Out on an Empty Stomach?

Whether you work out on an empty stomach depends on your personal preference and your medical concerns, if you have any. It also may depend on how long you plan on exercising or the kind of activity you’ll be doing. Working out while in a fasted state means that you’ll likely be tapping into your fat supply to burn as energy, but sometimes, it can be dangerous not to eat before starting your daily activity.

Your blood sugar levels are lower after you wake up, meaning that without food, you may be sluggish during your workout — and it might be that much harder to push through. People with medical conditions such as diabetes should plan to eat before working out, so they don’t risk any emergencies. If you’re concerned, ask your doctor before changing your workout. Knowing whether you should eat is just as important as knowing what to eat before a workout in the morning.

Figuring Out What to Eat Before a Workout in the Morning

Workouts might seem like a chore, but they’re an excellent display of what your body can do when you treat it right. Since you want the best for yourself, you must know what to eat before a workout in the morning. Feel free to change up your pre-workout breakfast depending on the sets you plan to do that day. You might find more comfort in variety — and it may take exercise from feeling like a chore to an enjoyable experience.