What you eat before a workout can make a real difference in how you feel and perform. Curious what fuels our editorial team before they sweat? We asked a few of our editors to share their go-to pre-workout snacks and why they swear by them.
I like to eat something that will give me a good source of energy and nutrition without making me feel too full, like a banana or granola bar.
I also try to sip on water for the hour or so leading up to a workout to make sure I’m hydrated and to avoid chugging water right before or during exercise. If I feel dehydrated, I might have an electrolyte drink or eat a pinch of salt.
I avoid anything that might upset my stomach, especially during more intense exercise. So, I’m not eating full-fat dairy or spicy foods before a HIIT workout.
I try to eat some carbs before a workout, especially if I’m going on a run, so I have something to fuel me. I’ll usually have a handful of berries, a small piece of toast, or a tortilla so I don’t feel too full.
I work out around 6:30 am, so I have about 16 ounces of lemon water to hydrate, plus a greens powder drink (scoop of greens powder) and protein coffee: Coffee/Teeccino plus 20–25 grams of protein powder (half collagen powder, half pea-based powder).
Sometimes I’ll have a granola bar or yogurt. I usually wait to have a bigger meal after exercise, mainly because I work out after 5 p.m.
The secret to a perfect long run is two Oreos before you head out the door. I’m not sure why; is that extra sugar just enough for a final energy boost? But I’ve done this enough times that I consider it causation, not correlation. Double Stuf only.
I’m a big fan of homemade energy bites, which usually consist of various nuts, seeds, and dried fruits all mashed together. It’s easy to make, and there are almost endless combos, which keeps it interesting.
When I’m being super intentional and going for prime performance, it’s half a banana with some peanut butter. That way, I have enough energy to support my activity without feeling bogged down by a full stomach. But I’ll be honest, I try not to let what I’ve eaten dictate how or whether I move my body—a workout fueled by cookies is still a workout, in my book.
I don’t eat anything in particular, but I do try to avoid eating within 30 minutes before my workout. Eating too close to a workout makes me feel full and uncomfortable, which obviously doesn’t make for a great experience!
As these answers show, the best pre-workout snack isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on the time of day, the type of workout, and what makes you feel your best. Whether you’re team banana, toast, or Double Stuf, the key is finding something that gives you energy without weighing you down.
