10 Of The Best Foods To Eat Before A Run

Deciding what to eat before a run can be hard; what you digest can either fuel your workout or cause it to falter. Not only that, but you may find yourself experiencing physical discomfort – or fatigue – by consuming the wrong foods. Fortunately, these 10 best foods to eat before a run will help you feel energized so that you aren’t forced to drag your feet during your next workout — no matter whether it’s a light one or of higher intensity.

1. A Small Serving Of Yogurt

Many of us ’90s babies grew up loving Danimals, Go-Gurt, and other such items. But now as runners, yogurt, in general, proves to be the perfect pre-run snack. Fortunately, it is light on the stomach, which makes it a whole lot easier for your body to break down and digest. In turn, you’ll find that it won’t weigh you down as you run, and is low in calories, helping to fuel you all the way to the finish.

2. Some Berries Or A Berry Smoothie

Berries are delicious, and the best part about them is that they can pack a powerful punch when blended into the form of a smoothie. In doing so, you can mix them with a variety of other tasty items while getting the necessary and needed nutrients before your run. Many see carbs as a bad thing, but with the healthy carbs, minerals, and vitamins that come from berries, you’ll be able to endure your workout a whole lot better. Just make sure that you choose a liquid base that is as equally healthy – such as almond milk.

3. A Small Bowl Of Oatmeal.

Oatmeal is one of the best pre-run items that you can eat – even though it is a little more filling than others due to the grain that it contains. Fortunately, by waiting 30 mins or so before your run, you’ll find that it will give you an added boost. In turn, it serves as a great motivator for high-intensity workouts. Not only that, but you’ll find that it will keep hunger pangs at bay before your run, during your run, and even after.

4. A Serving Of Peanut Butter Crackers.

Peanut butter contains healthy fat, and paired with crackers serves to be even more delicious and nutritious. In turn, a couple of peanut butter crackers can help you to feel even more pumped up and ready to tackle your run. Not only that, but it takes a small amount to fill you up, providing you with energy that will last throughout your workout.

5. Eggs (Boiled, Poached, Or Scrambled).

Eggs can be made in a variety of ways, making them one of the most convenient pre-run foods. In turn, they can suit your running needs, no matter what you’re craving. You can boil them, scramble them, eat them sunny side up, and so much more — but no matter what you choose, just remember that the yolk serves as one of the most essential parts; this is where a majority of your nutrients are located.

6. A Bowl of Wheat Based Cereal

Wheat cereal oftentimes provides a good source of fiber and carbohydrates. Eating this before a run can provide you with all the fuel that you need in order to get through a high-intensity workout. Not only that, but you’ll be able to stay full and energized in the process.

7. A Granola Bar

For all nut lovers everywhere this serves as the perfect snack, especially for those who are looking into adding more natural foods to their diet. Not only that, but granola bars contain a great amount of iron, which can help you perform better when you exercise. Just make sure that you purchase a granola bar that is low in sugar to get the healthiest pre-run snack possible.

8. Turkey And Cheese Sandwich

When some think of sandwiches, they oftentimes associate them with being unhealthy. In fact, it seems as though we’ve become accustomed to seeing sandwiches loaded clear up to the ceiling. But even so, these can serve as good food to eat before a run as long as you are cautious of what you add to your sandwich. In other words, if you add zero vegetables and a whole bunch of fattening items, then this might be a much heavier meal than needed pre-run.

9. A Banana

As many of us may know bananas not only save you money since they’re cheap, but they also serve as a great source of Manganese, along with other such minerals. In turn, they are delicious, but also healthy for you if you happen to struggle with low blood sugar. Fortunately, this is what makes them such a good pre-run snack because they can boost your levels to keep you at your best mid-run.

10. A Small Serving Of Raisins.

The best part about these tiny dried fruits is that they can be paired with almost anything, but taste the best when they are mixed with yogurt, oatmeal, nuts, and even granola. Here, you can easily sprinkle them as a topping to an already tasty snack or can eat them by themselves. However, you want to be sure that you eat them in moderation so that you don’t go over on your daily sugar intake. Fortunately, indulging in a small serving of these before a run can help you have enough energy in order to see your workout all the way through to completion.

Although everyone’s body handles food differently, we hope that these 10 best foods to eat before a run give you an idea of where to start. In doing so, you’ll begin to notice your pre-run snacks benefitting your workouts as a whole. Don’t forget to share and let us know your favorite pre-run snacks in the comments below!