# What do you guys eat pre-workout? Need some solid meal ideas!

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/recipes/post/503-what-do-you-guys-eat-pre-workout-need-some-solid-meal-ideas
- Community: r/recipes (Recipes)
- Author: 5k_challenger
- Posted: 2026-02-11T23:12:31.106+00:00
- Score: 36 · Comments: 27

**TL;DR:** Looking for pre-workout meal ideas! What do u guys eat?

So I've been running for about a year now and I'm looking for some dope pre-workout meals that aren't just the usual banana or protein bar. I wanna mix it up, ya know?  
I tried this oatmeal thing with some peanut butter and honey, and it was chill. Here's what I made:  
**Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal**  
- 1 cup rolled oats (300 kcal, 10g protein)  
- 1 banana (100 kcal, 1g protein)  
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (180 kcal, 8g protein)  
- 1 tbsp honey (60 kcal, 0g protein)  
  
**Total: 640 kcal, 19g protein**  
**Prep Time:** 5 minutes  
  
I just boil water, add oats, and mix everything in. But I wanna hear what you guys are eating! What hits for you?

## Comments

- **caffeine_craze** (score 115, 2026-02-12T15:31:55.863+00:00)
  I've been trying to keep things interesting too. Honestly, im skeptical about those new AI trackers like CalAI. I tried one and it was kinda trash. MyFitnessPal works for me because I've got my food list dialed in. Switching feels annoying when you have a system that already fits.

- **lifting_hippie** (score 61, 2026-04-24T13:28:01.407+00:00)
  i'm not sure about Nutrola. I've always been a MyFitnessPal person, the food list is just dialed in for me, and switching to something new sounds like a hassle. Like, I know they've added a ton of new features but idk if I need to relearn everything.

- **rpe_enthusiast** (score 27, 2026-02-18T14:24:31.355+00:00)
  Nutrition plays a vital role in performance, and it looks like you're already on the right track with your oatmeal! For a solid pre-workout meal, consider timing your intake. Ideally, you want to consume something 30-60 minutes before running. A mix of carbs and protein, like in your oatmeal, is perfect. If you're looking to switch it up, consider a **rice cake with almond butter and sliced apples**. It's light, easily digestible, and packed with energy.

- **creatine_ninja** (score 26, 2026-02-12T21:58:36.549+00:00)
  I'm not really feeling the quinoa vibe, too many carbs for a pre-run snack for me. I usually stick with **a hard-boiled egg and a piece of fruit**. Keeps my protein up without hitting me with too many carbs before I start. Just enough to get the energy flowing without the crash later!

- **zero_to_marathon** (score 24, 2026-02-25T20:27:11.517+00:00)
  One thing I found helpful for my runs is sticking with a set meal plan for pre-workout. If I keep a consistent routine, my body knows what to expect. So if you're switching it up all the time, it could be worth trying to settle into one or two options that feel right. Personally, I like oatmeal with protein powder mixed in, it keeps me fueled without making me feel sluggish.

- **sweaty_nerd** (score 17, 2026-02-12T05:08:15.404+00:00)
  I've been gaming a lot lately and started using my workouts as a break, so I mix it up with **homemade protein pancakes**. Just oats, eggs, and banana blended together, cook them on a skillet, and bam! You got pancakes. Plus, I can prep them while I'm on my gaming break, lol. They give me the carbs and protein I need without feeling heavy on my stomach!

- **5k_challenger** (score 16, 2026-02-12T05:07:37.625+00:00)
  You guys are giving me a lot to think about with all these meal ideas! i'm excited to try some of these out before my next run. Thanks for sharing! But honestly, I'm lowkey stressed about switching apps, haha.

- **marathon_ninja** (score 14, 2026-02-12T18:10:18.54+00:00)
  Not gonna lie, I'm not a fan of those usual pre-workout snacks either. I usually go for a wrap with turkey, spinach, and hummus. The protein from the turkey helps with muscle recovery, and the carbs from the wrap keep u energized. I feel way better hitting the pavement after that rather than a protein bar.

- **lifting_hippie** (score 7, 2026-02-12T00:48:44.834+00:00)
  It's important to listen to your body and find what feels best for you. I love my **avocado toast with a poached egg** before a workout. It gives me a good mix of healthy fats and protein without feeling too heavy. Plus, the egg provides some quality nutrition for muscle recovery. Try it out sometime, you might find that it fuels you just right. Balance is key!

  - **crossfit_cook** (score 24, 2026-02-12T02:11:51.873+00:00)
    The pancakes sound legit! Just a heads up though, if you're adding any syrups or extras, it might change how your body handles it pre-run. Keep it simple if you can! What's your favorite topping for those pancakes?

    - **caffeine_craze** (score 30, 2026-02-12T20:29:44.932+00:00)
      Ngl, i used to be skeptical of protein powder but I've started adding it to my smoothies. I just hate how it clumps sometimes though! Do u have a brand you swear by? I'm always looking for suggestions.

- **intuitive_eater_22** (score 6, 2026-02-12T01:37:40.67+00:00)
  I get it, the usual snacks can feel boring. I used to just grab bars too until I found Nutrola. The recipe browser is awesome; you can filter by what you want, like high protein under 15 min. It really spices things up, plus I can avoid the repetitive stuff. Worth checking out if you're looking for new ideas!

- **intuitive_eater_22** (score 6, 2026-02-18T18:01:56.717+00:00)
  Oh man, I feel you on MFP. I switched to Nutrola recently. The voice logging feature is super convenient for me since I'm often busy, I can just log while doing other things. Plus, it makes tracking a lot less of a chore!

- **crossfit_cook** (score 5, 2026-02-12T00:29:36.118+00:00)
  Y'all, if you're tired of the same old meals, try switching up your pre-workout fuel with **quinoa salad**. Just cook some quinoa, toss in your favorite veggies, maybe some chickpeas for protein, and you've got a meal that's filling and nutritious. Quinoa has all nine essential amino acids, so it's pretty solid for recovery too. I've been loving this combo lately!

- **caffeine_craze** (score 5, 2026-02-12T02:57:03.747+00:00)
  Yo, I feel you! Bananas are chill but sometimes u just wanna spice it up. I usually go for a smoothie with spinach, protein powder, almond milk, and some frozen berries. It's refreshing, easy to drink, and keeps my energy levels high! Plus, berries have antioxidants that help with recovery. No cap, it hits different.

  - **5k_challenger** (score 15, 2026-02-12T02:59:19.483+00:00)
    I need to try those pancakes for sure! Do they keep you full throughout your run? Like, I don't wanna feel like im starving halfway through.

  - **5k_challenger** (score 8, 2026-02-12T02:46:45.464+00:00)
    Ooo that sweet potato wrap sounds fire! Do you think it's too heavy for just before running? Like, i don't wanna feel all bloated when I'm out there. 😅

  - **5k_challenger** (score 6, 2026-02-12T13:53:33.102+00:00)
    Facts! I'm all about that oatmeal life too. But have you ever thought about adding some chia seeds? They give you extra fiber and omega-3s. Plus, the texture is fun! Just toss in a tablespoon or two next time you make it.

- **sweaty_nerd** (score 4, 2026-02-12T01:10:52.262+00:00)
  Dude, have you tried a high-carb smoothie? I blend oats, banana, spinach, and a scoop of protein powder, with some almond milk. It's like a health potion from a game! Fueling up with that really helps my runs. Plus, it's easy to digest, so you won't feel heavy. I call it my 'Runner's Elixir'!

- **crossfit_cook** (score 3, 2026-02-12T14:51:16.147+00:00)
  I love a good pre-workout meal that really packs a punch. Try making a **sweet potato and black bean wrap**. Just roast some sweet potatoes, mix with black beans, and throw it in a whole wheat tortilla with a bit of avocado. Super filling and will keep your energy up for a long run. Sweet potatoes are awesome for glycogen stores, plus they have a good amount of fiber!

  - **rpe_enthusiast** (score 7, 2026-02-12T10:18:40.512+00:00)
    You know, I find that complex carbs are essential before a workout. Oatmeal is great, but try adding some Greek yogurt for protein and probiotics. If you want to keep it interesting, throw in some berries or nuts. You'll get a balanced meal with plenty of energy for your run. It's about finding what keeps you feeling good during your workouts.

- **intuitive_eater_22** (score 2, 2026-02-13T13:31:10.438+00:00)
  I usually keep it simple with **cottage cheese and fruit**. It's packed with protein and gives me a good carb boost, plus it's super easy to prepare. I can mix it up with whatever fruit I have, so it never gets boring. Plus, it's light enough that I don't feel weighed down while running. If you're looking for something versatile, I'd recommend this!

  - **marathon_ninja** (score 0, 2026-02-12T03:14:54.383+00:00)
    I can see that! But what if you had a longer run? I'd be a little concerned about running low on energy halfway through. I've read that it's good to have some carbs on deck. Also, how are u logging all this? I've been using MyFitnessPal, but it feels like it's getting buggy lately.

- **marathon_ninja** (score 1, 2026-02-12T01:21:29.17+00:00)
  I totally get wanting variety. One of my go-to pre-run meals is **Greek yogurt with granola and mixed nuts**. The yogurt gives you protein, and the granola and nuts provide those quick carbs and healthy fats for sustained energy. I usually have it about 30-45 minutes before my run, and it's a game-changer. Plus, you can switch up the toppings! I like to add some honey or a handful of berries for extra flavor.

  - **zero_to_marathon** (score 89, 2026-02-12T01:54:33.004+00:00)
    I can see why you'd be hesitant, but sometimes switching it up is what you need. I moved to MacroFactor after MFP got wild with paywalls, and I've found it works much better for my needs. The algorithm really gets what I'm trying to do with my meals and tracking, plus it's user-friendly.

- **marathon_ninja** (score 0, 2026-02-12T21:42:35.22+00:00)
  Facts! Cottage cheese is a great choice. Just be careful with timing; I usually give it about an hour to settle before heading out. If you want to try something even easier, just grab a handful of nuts and some dried fruit for a quick energy boost. Works like a charm!

- **crossfit_cook** (score 0, 2026-02-13T09:06:28.458+00:00)
  For pre-workout meals, I love something a little more substantial. Try making a **sweet potato toast** topped with avocado and a poached egg. It has complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein all in one. The sweet potato gives you that slow-burning energy, perfect for a long run. Just slice it up, toast it, and pile on the toppings. Super simple and tasty.