Best Pre-Run Foods

I would wake up, go eat a banana and a bowl of cereal and think I could go run, but that was not the case for me. I myself need to eat ALOT before I go for a run in the morning. I'm talking somewhere between 700 to 800 calories. I decided to come up with a list of foods that are the base in my pre-run snack, did I say snack, more like a meal.

Oatmeal
 One of the best foods before a run is a bowl of Oatmeal. Oatmeal has carbs, protein, and a little fat to power you through your run. Oatmeal has a low Glycemic Index, making it ideal for longer runs. The low GI index means your body digests it slower, giving you more energy over a long period of time. Click here for my peanut butter and jelly oatmeal recipe, or here for my blueberry almond oatmeal.

Shredded Wheat

Another great pre-run snack that I usually eat before my morning runs is shredded wheat. Shredded wheat is high in protein and carbohydrates. It also ranks as a high GI food, making it a great snack, fifteen to thirty minutes before your run. Shredded wheat not only is nutritious, but it is delicious too. I have never eaten the big biscuit shredded wheat, I usually buy the spoon size kind.

Toast with Peanut Butter and Banana

It's no surprise that bananas seem to come up everywhere when talking about fuel for runners. Bananas are a quick source of carbohydrates, and sugar giving you the energy you need to get out the door and run right away. Peanut butter and toast is also great for runners because of the protein and fat in the peanut butter, and the carbohydrates in the toast.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

There's nothing better than the classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. Make yourself one on some whole grain bread and your on your way to a great run. The peanut butter and bread provide protein and carbs, whoe the jelly provides sugar to give you quick energy.

Toast and Eggs

Toast and eggs are the perfect combination, no matter how you cook the eggs, hard boiled, scrambled, poached, etc. The toast, obviously supplies the body with carbs, and the eggs have healthy fats and protein to help your muscles recover during and after your workout. Add an apple to provide you with longer lasting energy. My personal favorite with the toast and egg combination is a scrambled egg sandwich. Click here to find out how to make the perfect scrambled eggs here.

What do you like to eat before your workouts? Comment below!