Whether you are a seasoned runner or just getting started, eating before running is crucial to provide the energy you need for the activity. The right pre-run food can help prevent cramping, fuel your muscles, and enhance your overall performance.
One of the frequent questions new runners ask is what they should consume before running. Some basic recommendations for a runner’s diet can help you get started. Still, given that everyone is different, it’s prudent to pay attention to how you feel and make appropriate adjustments.
This article will explore the best foods to eat before a run to ensure you are well-fueled for your next workout.
What Nutrients Do Runners Need?
As a runner, it’s essential to ensure you fuel your body with the proper nutrients to enhance performance and overall health. A balanced diet for runners should include all the necessary nutrients, such as carbs, protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for endurance exercise, and runners need to eat enough to keep their energy levels up during races and training. According to research, our bodies work more efficiently with carbohydrates than fats or proteins for quick and long-lasting energy. Instead of simple carbs like sugar, aim for complex carbs like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Protein
Protein is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue, which is particularly vital for runners who engage in high-impact training. Besides being an essential nutrient, protein helps you feel full for longer, which is beneficial if you want to lose weight. To get the most out of a run, focus more on protein sources low in cholesterol and fat, such as eggs and beans.
Fat
Runners should also make sure to include fats in their diet. Fats help with energy production and to support their overall health. When glycogen stored in muscles from carbohydrates gets burned, the body turns to fat for prolonged fuel.
Vitamins and Minerals
While vitamins and minerals don’t provide energy, these micronutrients are still essential. Runners may produce free radicals, damaging cells, and vitamins E and C can neutralize these substances. Minerals also come in handy to support runners’ overall health and well-being. Some essential vitamins and minerals for runners include vitamins B and D, calcium, and iron.
Best Foods to Eat Before Running
Below are the best foods to eat before heading out for a run or hitting the treadmill.
Banana
Banana is well-known for being an excellent source of quick-burning carbohydrates. They are easy to digest, go down easy, and don’t contain a lot of fiber. They are also rich in potassium, an essential electrolyte. Bananas are safe to consume with little extra time before running since your body can rapidly digest the nutrients.
Smoothie
Smoothies make a great pre-run snack for runners. Drinking a blended beverage helps your body digest its elements quickly and effectively. They also provide the required nutrients needed to fuel a workout. You can opt for veggie or fruit-based, while adding protein powder is an option.
A smoothie helps runners hydrate, with the fruits providing numerous carbohydrates to burn. If you have a large drink, you should consume it at least an hour before your run. But if you are going out in 20 minutes, 4-5 ounces will suffice to prevent the liquid from jostling in your stomach.
Oatmeal
While every runner is different in metabolism and fueling, oatmeal makes an optimal diet for runners. It may taste bland, but you can create a superior cup of oats with the proper cooking and ingredients. Unlike white bread or processed cereals, oats have complex carbs like beta-glucan, which are slower to digest and include more nutrients and fiber than simple carbs. It ensures steady energy release and easy digestibility.
Yogurt
Like a smoothie, yogurt is a straightforward snack if you don’t like a lot of chewing before running. It’s high in water, protein, and carbohydrates, making it hydrating and easy to burn for fuel. The carbohydrates will provide the energy you need for the run, and the protein will help repair muscles after running. So, even if dairy products aren’t a part of your diet, consider using milk yogurt.
Honey
Honey has been used as a natural sweetener since immemorial due to its medicinal properties. It can provide runners with a valuable energy source and nutrition during races and training. Its high carbohydrate content makes it a perfect pre-workout fuel for athletes. Besides, it’s also rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support immune function.
Honey also contains antibacterial characteristics that could help treat and prevent infections common in endurance athletes. With its numerous benefits, honey is an excellent addition to a runner’s diet and can help improve their performance and general health.
Sticky Rice Balls
Sticky rice balls can be a valuable addition for runners because of their high carbohydrate content and ability to supply constant energy when running. They are made primarily of a high-carbohydrate food known as glutinous rice, an important energy source for runners as it’s converted to glucose and used to fuel muscles during exercise.
The energy produced is released slowly, giving runners a constant supply of energy for a prolonged period. It can help runners maintain their energy levels during long-distance races or runs.
Conclusion
Runners have specific dietary requirements and considerations. So, whether you are an experienced runner or just starting, eating a healthy meal before running is essential to give yourself the energy you need. Eating foods that can fuel your training correctly helps you to feel and function at your best. Also, having a solid plan can give you an advantage over the competition by providing the energy you need to compete well while avoiding any possible gastrointestinal issues.
We recommend keeping track of your dietary intake and how it makes you feel when running since what works for you can differ from what works for other runners. Afterward, you can make adjustments after having a solid grasp of how your nutrition affects you.
