The One Thing Top Trainers Eat Before A Workout
When you find a trainer you love, you want to know everything about them from how do they get that perfect top-knot to stay in place during tap-backs to exactly what they eat to stay fueled for their day of non-stop working out. (Fitness crushes are the best kind of crushes.) We tapped a few of the hottest fitness trainers to see what they reach for pre-sweat sesh. Click through, then go grocery shopping.
Taryn Toomey: Avocado
“I recently experimented with switching up my A.M. routine from a fruit smoothie to half an avocado with lime and a little sea salt. I found that the morning rush of sugar from the fruit was creating false sugar cravings for me. So I switched to a more balanced fat and protein combo that has made me feel much more stable.” —Taryn Toomey, creator of the class
Amanda Murdock: Cottage Cheese
“Right now my go-to pre-workout snack is a small container of low-fat cottage cheese with ¼ cup of sprouted lentils. Sprouted lentils are delicious and have a good fiber-to-protein-to-carbohydrate ratio. My favorite brand is The Perfect Snaque Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Crunch.” —Amanda Murdock, instructor at SLT studio
Latoya Julce: Banana
“Before a workout I will typically grab a banana, a handful of mixed nuts and water. Bananas are the perfect source of carbs to get you through a high-intensity session. The mixed nuts are an excellent source of protein—they are satisfying yet don’t leave you feeling too full. And water is a must. I cannot stress the importance of hydrating before (and after) exercise.” —Latoya Julce, instructor at 305 Fitness
Related: 9 High-Fat Foods that Are Actually Good For You
Kira Stokes: Oatmeal
“About an hour and a half prior to an intense workout, I go for a half-cup of steel-cut oatmeal–a fantastic complex carbohydrate for consistent energy. I sprinkle on chia seeds, which provide nutrients such as omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants, and walnuts or almonds for a bit of protein, essential fats and of course a tasty ‘crunch’ that I personally love.” —Kira Stokes, creator of Kira Stokes Fitness and instructor at BFX
Kristen Nichols: Yogurt
“I am a snacker, so I am usually eating throughout the day. Typically, what I chose to eat depends on when I can make it to my mat. In the morning, I like to hold off on a big meal—I will have a yogurt before and save the sweet potato scramble for after.” —Kristen Nichols, yoga instructor at Y7 studio
Rachel Piskin: Almonds
“I grab a handful of almonds and dried fruit, like cherries, to snack on right before teaching. The protein-packed nuts have a good fat profile so they keep me full, but I’m still able to jump and move around, and the dried cherries provide simple sugar, which gives me a great healthy boost of energy.” —Rachel Piskin, co-founder of Chaise Fitness
Maddy Curley: Protein Bar
“I love bars before I workout—my new favorite is the Kill Cliff Bar. They’re a great source of carbs and protein, but don’t weigh me down during a workout. “ —Maddy Curley, head coach at Brick CrossFit in Los Angeles
Related: 6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs
Julia Avery: Sweet Potatoes (And More)
“I like to have a full meal about two to three hours before I work out. Since I typically train around noon, I’ll have two eggs, two slices of bacon and sweet or white potatoes. If I end up working out a little later in the afternoon and need some extra fuel, I’ll have something that’s quick to digest like a shake with some fruit and a little whey protein.” —Julia Avery, instructor at The Fhitting Room
Leila Fazel: Salmon Salad
“I usually work out in the evenings, so I like to have a good lunch at least four hours prior. I usually eat two or three ounces of lean protein (salmon or grilled chicken) and a big salad. There is nothing worse than being overly stuffed and trying to get the most out of a training session.” —Leila Fazel, co-owner of Aerospace
Andrea Rogers: Acai Bowl
“I usually have a peanut-butter-acai bowl about an hour before hitting the studio. Not only is it delicious, but the protein and fiber help me maximize my workout.” —Andrea Rogers, founder and creator of Xtend Barre
Michelle Lovitt: Hard Boiled Eggs
“I eat a hard boiled egg or a breakfast of carbs, protein and fat to replenish glycogen stores and reduce cortisol levels. That way, I’m workout-ready!” —Michelle Lovitt, celebrity trainer and fitness personality in Los Angeles
Lisa Niren: Egg White Omelet
“I always teach in the morning, so what I eat when I wake up is very important to get my body ready for the day. The second I get out of bed, I like to jump start my metabolism and put protein in my body, typically scrambled egg whites, an egg white omelet with turkey and vegetables in it or a protein shake.” —Lisa Niren, head coach at Peloton Cycle
By Amy Schlinger; Photos courtesy of subjects
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