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Best Breakfast before running
Rise, shine and eat these breakfasts before or after you go for a run.
Breakfast is essential before running
It may sound odd at first, but what foods you eat before a run is just as important for your performance, recovery and longevity as the actual training you do on the track, trail, road or in the gym. At GU Energy Labs, we live by the phrase “Eating is Training”.
As a sports nutritionist and ultra-endurance runner, I know that optimal nutrition is a key component of any athlete’s self-care routine, and breakfast is the prime time to start your day off right. I love breakfast, especially when it’s easy to prepare and provides nutrients like protein, complex carbs, healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals. The recipes below are two of my all-time autumn favourites. Both breakfasts are a snap to prepare in 10 minutes or less, packed with flavour, and will fill you up without slowing you down before (or after) any morning run.
Banana before running: Banana Nut Overnight Oatmeal (makes 1 hearty serving)
For the ultimate easy-prep breakfast before running that’s ready to take on the go, I usually turn to overnight oats. Oats are a great source of whole grains and prebiotic fibre, which feeds the good bacteria living in your gut to promote immune function and overall health. Greek yoghurt (you can now find plant-based versions, too) gives you a boost of protein to support muscle maintenance and repair, while heart-healthy walnuts deliver essential fatty acids, including anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
Ingredients
- ½ large ripe banana
- 45 g rolled oats (gluten-free, if sensitive)
- 120 ml low-fat Greek yoghurt or non-dairy Greek yoghurt alternative (look for at least 9 g protein, plain or vanilla flavoured)
- 80 ml unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped (toasted, if preferred)
Directions:
- In a small mason jar, mash banana thoroughly with a fork. Add oats, yoghurt, almond milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours.
- Stir and serve topped with chopped nuts.
Notes: These can be warmed in the morning before serving and drizzled with maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Toasting the walnuts just before serving brings out their rich aroma and flavour.
Reminiscent of a banana bread muffin, this recipe makes one hearty serving, so feel free to eat half before and half after your run.
Breakfast before running: Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes (makes about 4 pancakes, serves 1-2)
I know it’s a cliche, but I adore cooking with pumpkin (and other winter squashes) in cold weather. Especially in my breakfasts before running. Not only does it taste amazing combined with pumpkin pie spice, as you’ll find in these protein-packed pancakes, but pumpkin is also an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, with 110 g providing 250% of your daily requirements. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which is important for a strong immune system and healthy vision. One serving of these flapjacks delivers 20 g of protein and can be prepared vegan/gluten-free as needed. This dish is great before or after a long run, gym-based strength session, or really any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 (~30 g) scoop vanilla or cinnamon flavoured protein powder (I used Dymatize Iso 100 Cinnamon Bun protein but any protein powder will work as well)
- 110 g pumpkin purée (not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large egg whites (or 60 ml liquid egg whites or vegan liquid egg substitute)
- 45 g old fashioned oats (gluten-free, if sensitive)
- 120 ml milk or unsweetened plant-based milk alternative (I used cashew)
Directions:
- Heat a large non-stick frying pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
- Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour about 60 ml of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look firm and close to done, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for additional 1–2 minutes or until pancakes are done.
- Serve warm with your favourite topping. Some favourites include sliced banana, warm almond butter, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Notes: Consider adding 1-2 tsp sweetener (coconut sugar, etc.) to the batter if you prefer a bit more sweetness to your pancakes.
Efficient eating
In my line of work, I’m often asked to provide simple yet healthy meal ideas for athletes and active people of all ages. One thing I look for when creating or recommending recipes is what I call the “nutritional bang-for-your-buck”. That is, recipes must not only taste great but also deliver additional health benefits. These could include high protein options for muscle health, anti-inflammatory or antioxidant-rich foods for cardiovascular and cognitive health, fibre-forward recipes for gut and immune health, or phytonutrients such as polyphenols which may help delay the ageing process and protect against several chronic diseases when consumed regularly.
The best way to reap all these benefits? Eat a wide variety of colourful fruit and veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, plus plant-based or lean proteins of choice every day. Your body will thank you in the long run.
