What To Eat Before a Morning Workout?

What should you eat before a morning workout?  You want energy and endurance but you don’t want to feel full or fatigued. Here are some excellent options to give you energy and stamina before working out in the morning.

Coffee

I’m a bit  of a coffee addict, especially the Green Mountain Pumpkin Spice.  The good news is that a little caffeine can be a good choice prior to your workout.

Because caffeine is a stimulant it increases your heart rate which in turn increase blood flow throughout the body. By increasing stamina and reducing fatigue, coffee can be a help for both short, intense workouts or longer endurance sessions.

Bananas

Since bananas are high in carbohydrates they are a good source of energy for your body. Having a banana before your morning workout can help provide the energy you need; however you’ll want to eat it about an hour before you start. Your body needs time to convert the carbs found in a banana to energy so eating one on your way out the door will not provide the same benefits and may leave you feeling less energetic at the start of your routine.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is another excellent pre-workout food choice. Oatmeal can help you feel full, and provide you with the fiber and carbs you need for stamina and energy.  Eating a bowl before a hike or other prolonged activities can help with sustained energy over a long period of time.

Yogurt

A cup of fat free yogurt provides protein. It's quick, satisfying and easy to use as a base for adding fruit or honey to get an additional energy boost.

Whatever you choose to eat before your morning workout keep the servings small. Your body uses energy during the digestion process so eating a big meal can leave your body working a double shift making you feel tired or sluggish.

Eating a light breakfast or snack that contains proteins and carbs with a cup of coffee (or other caffeinated beverage) can give you the energy and stamina you need to make your morning workout a success.

What are your favorite morning workout foods? Leave your tips below.