Sports Nutrition The 11 Best Pre-Workout Snacks of 2023 MUSH ready-to-eat oats have a good ratio of carbs & protein without added sugar By Allison Knott MS, RDN, CSSD, CDN Allison Knott MS, RDN, CSSD, CDN Facebook Twitter Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD is a freelance writer, nutrition consultant, registered dietitian nutritionist, and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics. Learn about our editorial process and Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, RYT is the Associate Editorial Director at Verywell Fit, a registered dietitian, a registered yoga teacher, and a published author. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 21, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Mia Syn, MS, RDN Medically reviewed by Mia Syn, MS, RDN Mia Syn, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master of science in human nutrition. She is also the host of Good Food Friday on ABC News 4. Learn about our Medical Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Verywell Fit / Kevin Liang Consuming a pre-workout snack can help keep you nourished during exercise and potentially improve performance and recovery time. “The goal of a pre-workout snack is to help fuel your workout to maximize effort and minimize physical and mental fatigue,” explains Brittney Bearden, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, a sports dietitian based in Dallas, Texas. It's important to make sure your pre-workout snack contains adequate carbohydrates, as carbs break down to glucose which is your body's main form of energy. Additionally, it is recommended to limit fat and fiber in pre-workout snacks to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues during exercise. “Generally, we want to choose a pre-workout snack high in carbohydrate, low to moderate in protein, and low in fat and fiber,” Bearden says to VeryWell. Incorporating a low to moderate amount of protein pre-workout is usually well tolerated and can help to build and repair muscle. When selecting our picks for best pre-workout snacks, our sports dietitian used her clinical experience along with recommendations from other dietitians with experience working with athletes. Their top priorities were overall nutritional content and taste, and we made sure most of our picks were gluten-free and vegan, making them accessible to a variety of dietary patterns. We also had a registered dietitian nutritionist from our Review Board review this article for accuracy, surrounding the optimal nutrition for pre-workout snacks and what foods to avoid prior to a workout. Here, the best pre-workout snacks on the market: Our Top Picks Best Overall: MUSH ready-to-eat oats at Amazon Jump to Review Best Fruit Puree: GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bar: Skratch Labs Anytime Energy Bar at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bar, Runner-Up: Larabar Snack Bar Variety Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cereal: Cascadian Farm Organic Purely O's at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Caffeine: Verb Energy Bar at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sweet: Honey Stinger Organic Waffle at Amazon Jump to Review Best Dried Fruit: Made in Nature Organic Dried Deglet Noor Dates at Amazon Jump to Review Best Chocolate: Barnana Chocolate Banana Bites at Amazon Jump to Review Best Allergy Friendly: Enjoy Life Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Ovals at Walmart Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall MUSH ready-to-eat oats Amazon View On Amazon View On Eatmush.com Pros Made with whole grains Gluten-Free and vegan Simple ingredients No added sugars or artificial flavors Cons Requires refrigeration Expensive MUSH earns our top pick for a pre-workout snack because it offers a nutrient-dense source of carbohydrates without added sugar in a convenient, single-serve pack. All flavor varieties are made with whole grain oats plus a mix of fruit and fruit juice or other natural flavors from spices, nuts, or extracts. With simple, natural ingredients and no added sugar, we like that this snack can be a good snack option anytime, not just before a workout. No matter which flavor of MUSH you choose, you’ll get more than 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving without any added sugar. One serving of Blueberry MUSH contains 240 calories, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein making it a nutrient-dense option to enjoy as a pre-workout snack. The oats are also a good source of fiber which offers gut-health benefits. Mush may be best consumed an hour or more out from your workout if you find that higher fiber intakes cause digestive upset during exercise. MUSH is available in multiple flavors including Apple Cinnamon, Vanilla Bean, Coffee Coconut, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, and Blueberry. If you’re allergic to tree nuts then you’ll want to carefully check the labels as many of the flavors are made with almond or coconut milk. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 container (170 g) | Carbohydrates: 36 g | Protein: 5 g | Allergens: tree nuts | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: Apple Cinnamon, Vanilla Bean, Coffee Coconut, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Blueberry Best Fruit Puree GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches GoGo Squeez View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Gogosqueez.com Pros Gluten-free and vegan No added sugars or artificial flavors Dairy and nut-free Cons Less than 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving Fruit is one of the best pre-workout snacks as it offers a nutrient-dense source of carbohydrates. But, not everyone can keep fruit fresh and free of bruises in the bottom of their workout bag. Enter fruit pouches, a convenient and portable way to get your fruit before a workout. The GoGo squeeZ BIG pouches are our top pick for fruit purees because they have more fruit (and more carbohydrates) per pouch as compared to many smaller size fruit pouches. One pouch (120 grams) of the classic apple contains 21 grams of carbohydrates with 2 grams of fiber making it a great pre-workout snack to eat within the hour before a workout. This snack is slightly lower in carbohydrates, so you may need another carbohydrate source (like a handful of pretzels) if you’re planning to exercise for an hour or more. For these longer workouts, you'll also likely benefit from consuming carbohydrates and electrolytes during your workout from electrolyte drinks and potentially energy chews, gels, or bars. GoGo offers a variety of flavors, all of which are free of dairy, gluten, and nuts making for an allergy-friendly choice. Choose from flavors like Pineapple, Pear, Mango, Raspberry, or Apple. Price at time of publication: $19 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 pouch (120 g) | Carbohydrates: 21 g | Protein: 0 g | Allergens: none | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: Pineapple, Pear, Mango, Raspberry, Apple Best Bar Skratch Labs Anytime Energy Bar Skratch Labs View On Amazon View On Skratchlabs.com Pros Gluten-free and vegan No artificial sweeteners or flavors Over 30 grams of carbs per bar Cons Not suitable for tree nuts and/or peanut allergies Expensive Skratch Labs makes a complete line of sports nutrition products for athletes including energy bars, hydration mixes, and recovery snacks. The Skratch Labs Anytime Energy Bar is our number one pick for best bar because it’s a high carbohydrate bar made with limited added sugar. The Anytime Energy Bars are offered in a variety of flavors including Peanut Butter & Chocolate, Raspberries & Lemon, Peanut Butter & Strawberry, Chocolate Chips & Almonds, and Cherries & Pistachios. The bars are gluten, soy, and dairy-free, but most contain peanuts or tree nuts, both of which are major allergens. The Skratch Labs Anytime Energy Bars have a slightly longer ingredient list than some other bars, but none contain artificial sweeteners or flavors. For example, the Peanut Butter & Strawberries bar is made with a nut butter blend, dried strawberries, and coconut nectar among other ingredients for sweetness and texture. It contains 220 calories, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. The higher carbohydrates in each bar, moderate fat, and moderate protein content make them an ideal choice for at least an hour or two before a workout. But they may not be a good choice for some people if eaten too close to the start of exercise (less than an hour before you work out) since the fat content might cause stomach discomfort. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 bar (50 g) | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Protein: 5 g | Allergens: tree nuts & peanuts (varies by flavor) | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: Peanut Butter & Chocolate, Raspberries & Lemon, Peanut Butter & Strawberry, Chocolate Chips & Almonds, and Cherries & Pistachios The Best Energy Chews, Gels, and Bars for Running Best Bar, Runner-Up Larabar Gluten-Free Snack Bar Variety Pack 16 Pack Amazon View On Amazon Pros Limited ingredient list No added sugars or artificial flavors Gluten-free and vegan Cons Contains less than 30 grams of carbohydrates May cause digestive upset for some people The minimally-processed, gluten-free Larabars are an excellent option to snack on pre-workout. With a simple ingredient list and no added sugar, they can also make for a great anytime snack. With these bars, you also don't have to worry about additives like artificial sweeteners which may cause digestive upset in some people. The base for Larabars is dates, a carbohydrate-rich dried fruit that offers easily digestible natural sugar which acts as quick fuel for your muscles. However, dates are high in fructans, a type of fermentable carbohydrate (also known as FODMAPs) that may cause digestive discomfort in people with irritable bowel syndrome. If you find that dates don’t sit well with you, skip the Larabars and opt for a lower FODMAP alternative such as a fig-based bar. A pro of Larabars is that many contain only a few ingredients. For example, the Peanut Butter Cookie bar contains dates, peanuts, and sea salt. This wholesome mix provides 220 calories along with 6 grams of protein and 23 grams of carbs. The bars offer a good mix of carbohydrates and protein best eaten in the hour leading up to a workout. If you get stomach discomfort from eating these too close to workout time, it may be because of the fat content, so you may want to try eating them earlier. If you’re planning on a workout lasting an hour or more, add an extra source of carbohydrates to get closer to the one gram per kilogram of body weight recommendation. Price at time of publication: $24 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 bar (45 g) | Carbohydrates: 23 g | Protein: 6 g | Allergens: peanuts & tree nuts (varies by flavor) | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: Cherry Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Coconut Cream Pie, Apple Pie, Peanut Butter Cookie, Cashew Cookie, Blueberry Muffin (other flavors available) Best Cereal Cascadian Farm Organic Purely O's Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Cascadianfarm.com Pros Vegan and Certified Organic Low in added sugar Made with whole grains Cons Higher fiber amount Not appropriate for gluten allergy or sensitivity Cereal may not be the first snack to come to mind when considering what to eat before a workout, but it can be a convenient and delicious option if you need a quick carbohydrate boost. Cascadian Farm Organic Purely O’s cereal tops our list for the best cereal because it’s made with whole grains and is very low in added sugar. One serving (1 ½ cup or 38 grams) of Purely O’s has 140 calories, 29 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. This Certified Organic cereal is made with organic whole grain oats and organic barley, has 4 grams of fiber, and contains less than one gram of added sugar. The higher fiber content may cause some discomfort for some if eaten within an hour before exercise. If that's the case for you, you might want to try eating them earlier or experiment with a different snack option. The good thing about cereal is that you can eat it with or without milk, making it a convenient option for snacking on-the-go. Plus, if you add dairy or soy milk, both good sources of protein, this cereal can double as a post-workout snack. Purely O’s cereal can also be added as a crunchy topping to a smoothie or as a mix-in to your favorite trail mix. Price at time of publication: $7 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 ½ cup (38 g) | Carbohydrates: 29 g | Protein: 4 g | Allergens: wheat | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: No | Flavors: Original Best with Caffeine Verb Energy Bar Amazon View On Amazon View On Verbenergy.co Pros Contains 65 mg caffeine per serving Gluten-free and vegan Made with whole grains Cons Less than 15 grams of carbohydrates Expensive Caffeine before a workout has been shown to benefit performance. If you’re looking for a convenient pre-workout snack that offers both caffeine and carbs, Verb Energy Bars are a great choice. With 13 grams of carbohydrates and 65 milligrams caffeine per serving, this bar checks the boxes for a pre-workout snack. Just keep in mind you may need an additional source of carbohydrates for workouts that are an hour or longer. Keep in mind that the caffeine quantity in the Verb Energy Bars is slightly less than a cup of home brewed coffee which has around 100 milligrams of caffeine but more than what you’d find in a cup of black tea which has approximately 45 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Verb Energy Bars are made with a mix of grains including oats, brown rice, and quinoa. They’re sweetened with agave, brown sugar, and/or molasses depending on the flavor and each bar includes organic green tea as a caffeine source. The bars are approximately 90 calories, depending on the flavor, and have around 3 grams of protein. Price at time of publication: $29 for 16 caffeinated snack bars Key Specs:Serving size: 1 bar (22 g) | Carbohydrates: 13 g | Protein: 3 g | Allergens: tree nuts | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: Vanilla Latte, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Cookie Butter, Key Lime Pie, Caramel Macchiato, Cinnamon Roll What Is The Paleo Diet? Best Sweet Honey Stinger Organic Waffle, Honey Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Honeystinger.com Pros Certified Organic Multiple flavor options Gluten-free options are available Cons Less than 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving Not vegan or allergy-friendly If you're looking for a great-tasting, top-quality energy boost, Honey Stinger Waffles are the way to go. They’re made with a mix of carbohydrate sources including wheat flour, honey, and brown rice syrup. The waffles are Certified Organic and come in a variety of flavors including Honey, Chocolate, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Cookies & Cream, and Cinnamon. The Honey flavor waffles contain wheat, soy, and egg; however, Honey Stinger offers gluten-free flavors for those who need to avoid gluten. One Honey flavor waffle has 150 calories, 19 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. If you’re planning on a long endurance workout, you’ll likely want to eat more than one waffle or add a second source of carbohydrates to boost your total intake. As an added bonus, these waffles are also great for a mid-workout carb-boost as they contain a mix of carbohydrates which has shown to benefit absorption. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 waffle (30 g) | Carbohydrates: 19 g | Protein: 1 g | Allergens: wheat, soy, egg (varies by flavor) | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: No (gluten-free options available) | Flavors: Honey, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Cinnamon, Chocolate Best Dried Fruit Made in Nature Organic Dried Deglet Noor Dates Amazon View On Amazon View On Madeinnature.com Pros Only ingredient is dates Certified Organic Gluten-free and vegan Cons May cause digestive upset in some people Dried fruit is an excellent pre-workout snack especially if you’re not a fan of the pureed fruit pouches. You don't have to worry about it getting squashed in your bag like fresh fruit, it's tasty and sweet, and it provides a source of quickly digested carbohydrates to power you through your favorite activity. We chose the Made in Nature Dried Deglet Noor Dates because they’re a deliciously sweet pre-workout snack and are both Certified Organic and Certified Gluten-Free. One serving (5 dates or 40 grams) contains 110 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein. However, be aware that dates are a good source of fiber with one serving providing just over 10 percent of your daily fiber needs at 3 grams. This amount of fiber eaten close to exercise may cause digestive discomfort for some people. Price at time of publication: $17 Key Specs:Serving size: 5 dates (40 g) | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 1 g | Allergens: n/a | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: n/a Best Healthy Snack Subscription Boxes of 2022 Best Chocolate Barnana Chocolate Banana Bites Amazon View On Amazon View On Safeway.com View On Vitacost Pros Certified Organic Made with simple, sustainability-sourced ingredients Gluten-free Cons Less than 30 grams of carbohydrate per serving Moderate amount of fat 4 grams of fiber per serving Chocolate isn’t the first thing to come to mind when you think about a pre-workout snack, but these Barnana Dark Chocolate Dipped Banana Bites are perfect for chocolate lovers looking to fuel-up before a workout. The Barnana snacks are Certified Organic and are made with fair trade dark chocolate and organic bananas. The company is committed to sustainability, using upcycled bananas to make their snacks while also reducing food waste. One 1.4 ounce serving (40 grams) contains 180 calories, 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. There is a moderate amount of fat and fiber from this snack that may cause digestive upset for some if eaten too close to exercise. Therefore, eating at least one to two hours (or more) before exercise may work best for most people. If you’re not a chocolate fan, you can buy Barnana snacks in multiple other flavors including Coconut, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Cup, Mango, and Original. Price at time of publication: $63 Key Specs:Serving size: 1.4 oz (40 g) | Carbohydrates: 23 g | Protein: 2 g | Allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, soy (varies by flavor) | Vegan: No (likely because of the glaze used)| Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: Peanut Butter, Coconut, Peanut Butter Cup, Mango, Original Best Allergy Friendly Enjoy Life Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Ovals Walmart View On Walmart View On Enjoylifefoods.com Pros Vegan and Certified Gluten-free Free of 14 allergens Made with whole grains Cons 3 grams of fiber per bar Enjoy Life makes a variety of allergy-friendly snacks free of 14 major allergens including gluten. The soft baked breakfast ovals are our number one pick for an allergy-friendly, pre-workout snack because they’re carb-rich, Certified Gluten-Free, and are made in a dedicated nut-free facility. The bars are made with a mix of whole grain oats, brown sugar and date paste. One bar contains 230 calories, 31 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. Keep in mind that these bars have three grams of fiber which may cause stomach issues by some people if eaten in the hour leading up to exercise. Price at time of publication: $5 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 bar (50 g) | Carbohydrates: 31 g | Protein: 3 g | Allergens: none | Vegan: Yes | Gluten-Free: Yes | Flavors: Apple Cinnamon, Berry Medley, Maple Fig, Chocolate Chip Banana Best High-Protein Kodiak Cakes Flapjack Power Cup Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Herbspro.com Pros Ready in one-minute Higher in protein 100% whole grains Cons Need a microwave and water or milk The Kodiak power cup is a good balance between carbohydrates, protein and fiber, while staying relatively lower in fat. While many pre-workout snacks provide adequate carbohydrates for fuel, they often lack in protein. However, these power cups have 10 grams per serving. You can also boost the amount of protein by adding your choice of milk instead of water; this will also make the texture more creamy. Made with 100% whole grain and oat flour, each bite tastes like pancakes in a cup. There are also a variety of other flavors to choose from, like chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon roll, s'mores and more. Price at time of publication: $29 for a pack of 12 Key Specs:Serving size: 1 cup (61 g) | Carbohydrates: 37 g | Protein: 10 g | Allergens: Milk and wheat (trace amounts of soy, tree nuts and eggs) | Vegan: No | Gluten-Free: Some flavors | Flavors: Chocolate peanut butter, cinnamon roll, s'mores and more How We Selected When choosing the best pre-workout snacks, we looked at a variety of products with majority carbohydrates, moderate protein, and low fat and fiber. We also spoke to an expert sports dietitian to discuss what to look for when choosing pre-workout snacks. Specifically, we spoke to: Brittney Bearden, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, a sports dietitian based in Dallas, Texas In addition, we chose the pre-workout snacks while keeping in mind that individuals have varied tolerance, food restrictions, and allergies. A range of products from fruit to whole grains are listed to ensure there is a product choice no matter your individual preferences and restrictions. Taste, price, and convenience were also considered when choosing the best pre-workout snacks What to Look For in a Pre-Workout Snack Nutrient Profile Optimizing your pre and post-workout nutrition is highly individualized, based on many factors including weight, body composition, overall diet and personal goals, as well as type of exercise and duration. The nutrients in a pre-workout snack make a significant difference in its effect on performance. Carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber are important nutrients to consider when choosing the best pre-workout snack for you. “A snack before a cardio/endurance exercise can be primarily carbohydrate based and a snack before a strength training exercise can be more of a split between carbohydrates and protein,” says Bearden. Carbohydrates provide the body’s primary energy source, glucose, and are especially important prior to endurance exercise. Protein intake before a workout can also impact muscle protein synthesis, however total protein intake throughout the day is the most important for muscle repair and maintenance. “Exercise duration and intensity are also important factors in determining the size and composition of a pre-workout snack,” says Bearden. If you’re planning to exercise for an hour or more or are participating in high-intensity exercise, you’ll likely require more carbohydrates prior to the activity. A good rule of thumb is to follow the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommendation to consume 1 to 4 grams of carbohydrate per kilogram body weight in the one to four hours leading up to exercise. Fat and fiber are also important to consider as eating a snack that’s high in either nutrient may result in digestive discomfort in some people. Tolerance varies as does the time between eating and exercise. In general, the closer you are to exercise, the lower in fat and fiber you want your carb-rich snack to be. If you have more time between eating and exercise then fat and fiber may be slightly higher to allow for ample digestion time. Timing Some athletes can eat a large meal or snack minutes before a workout and feel great, while others feel nauseous or weighed down if they eat before exercise. Multiple factors influence how well you tolerate a pre-workout snack including the timing of your last meal. “If your last meal was 4 or more hours ago, a pre-workout snack is a great addition. However, if your last meal was just 1-2 hours ago, you can likely forgo the pre-workout snack,” Bearden says. You may need to try a few different foods and time frames before finding a pre-workout snack that works best for you. In general, a small, carbohydrate-rich snack about one to two hours before your workout is a good starting point. Size The size of your snack should depend on how much energy you will likely expend during the activity. A workout that is less than 45 minutes may only necessitate a small snack, whereas endurance exercise lasting 1 to more than 2.5 hours will need more fuel before, during, and after. A good rule of thumb for regular-sized snacks is about 100 to 250 calories, but this rule varies greatly depending on body size, tolerance, your most recent meal, and your daily calorie needs. Frequently Asked Questions Is it ok to eat a snack before a workout? When deciding if you should eat a snack before a workout, consider when you last ate as well as the type and duration of your planned exercise. If you’ve eaten a meal recently or if you’re planning on a short, low-intensity exercise session then you may not require a pre-workout snack. However, if you’re planning on a high-intensity workout and/or a workout lasting an hour or more, it’s a good idea to eat a pre-workout snack that’s a good source of carbohydrates. Is fruit a good pre-workout snack? Yes, fruit is a great source of carbohydrates making it a good pre-workout snack. However, some people may find that fruit alone results in digestive upset. If that’s the case, consider reducing the portion size and pairing with an alternative carbohydrate source such as from grains. Is it bad to eat dairy before a workout? Some athletes avoid dairy in the snack before a workout due to fears of gastrointestinal discomfort or decreased performance. Evidence suggests that if you can tolerate cow's milk, consuming dairy products as a snack before a workout should be fine. “I generally don’t recommend dairy alone for a pre-workout snack but will recommend it as part of the pre-workout snack such as overnight oats, cereal and milk, or Greek yogurt and granola,” says Bearden.In general, dairy products provide both carbohydrates and protein which can help to fuel your workout, but are likely better paired with a carbohydrate-rich snack versus eaten as a standalone snack before a workout. What should you avoid eating before a workout? The foods you may or may not tolerate before a workout depend on the intensity of your workout and your digestive system. In general, it's best to avoid high fiber or high-fat foods before a workout. “Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate that is super beneficial to our health but should be avoided before a workout,” says Bearden. She also adds that fat is the slowest of the macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) to be digested. “It can lead to stomach distress when eating a large amount prior to exercise,” she explains. It's best to experiment with what works best for your body and to also avoid trying new foods before competitions or long training sessions. Why Trust Verywell Fit Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD is a registered dietitian and board certified specialist in sports dietetics with multiple years of experience working with amateur endurance athletes. She knows the importance of finding a nutrient-dense, pre-workout snack that’s enjoyable, affordable, and most importantly, is effective at fueling peak performance. Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services of 2022 11 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kerksick CM, Arent S, Schoenfeld BJ, et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutrient timing. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017;14(1):33. Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Position of the academy of nutrition and dietetics, dietitians of canada, and the american college of sports medicine: nutrition and athletic performance. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2016;116(3):501-528. Mohr, Christopher R. PhD, RD. Timing your pre- and post-workout nutrition. 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Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training. Front Nutr. 2018 Sep 11;5:83. Jäger R, Kerksick CM, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Jun 20;14:20. Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Position of the academy of nutrition and dietetics, dietitians of canada, and the american college of sports medicine: nutrition and athletic performance. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2016;116(3):501-528 Haakonssen EC, Ross ML, Cato LE, et al. Dairy-based preexercise meal does not affect gut comfort or time-trial performance in female cyclists. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2014;24(5):553-558. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2014-0069 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit