What to Eat Before a Run

What to Eat (and Not Eat) Before Your Run

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When your hour-long runs are part of your routine, it's important to fuel your body in order to kick some butt during your workout. While exercising on an empty stomach is a big mistake, fueling up the wrong way before a run can cause stomach cramps, dizziness, and headaches. Check out the chart below to learn some good choices for noshing before you head out.

Time Food Ideas Foods to Avoid
2 hours before 300- to 400-calorie meal containing carbs, protein, and healthy fats:

  • Cooked quinoa and grilled chicken
  • Whole wheat pasta with cheese and veggies
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
  • Greek yogurt with fruit, nuts, and granola
  • Wrap filled with grilled fish, avocado, and mango
  • Fruit, yogurt, and greens smoothie
  • Cheese and veggie omelet with toast
Tons of fibrous veggies:

  • Broccoli, onions, beans

High-fat foods that are hard to digest:

  • Cream-based soups, burgers, fries, ice cream
1 hour before 150-calorie snack containing easily digestible carbs and a little protein:

  • Whole wheat toast with nut butter
  • Banana and small handful of cashews
  • Whole grain crackers and hummus
  • Small bowl of cereal
  • Half a fruit and nut bar
  • Cheese stick and carrots
Gas-producing fruits:

  • Pear
  • Apple
  • Melon
15 to 30 minutes before Small serving of easily digestible carbs:

  • Banana
  • Applesauce
  • A few saltine crackers
  • Raisins
Large serving of protein and carbs, and high-saturated fat and high-fiber foods:

  • Pasta
  • Bagel and cream cheese
  • Fried chicken
  • Granola or energy bar (high in calories and fiber)

Hydrating is also essential, so drink about 15 to 20 ounces of water one to two hours before working out. Sip another eight ounces 15 minutes before.

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