Breakfast Ideas
# Pre-Workout Breakfast Ideas for Every Workout
Published: 05/03/2026
AuthorNestlé Cereals
Reading time: 5 min.
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You’ve got your gym clothes on, water bottle at the ready, all you need is a pre-workout breakfast. Stuck for ideas? Don't worry, we've got you covered with these top pre-workout breakfast ideas.
If you’re looking for pre-workout convenience before your workout, your favourite cereals are the quick and easy solution as you prepare to take on your early morning exercise routine. Did we mention they’re also delicious, either on their own or combined with fruits, nuts and seeds?
Here are some quick and simple breakfasts to have before you exercise that you can make in no time - ideal for those busy, active mornings!
## WHAT TO EAT BEFORE RUNNING IN THE MORNING?
Whether you’re getting ready for your morning jog, lining up for your local 5k run, or hitting the treadmill, it’s important to pick the right pre-gym breakfast. Everyone’s different, but a great place to start is with your favourite breakfast cereal.
Our [Multigrain Cheerios®](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/cheerios/multigrain) paired up with milk or milk alternative, banana slices and peanut butter make a simple pre-workout breakfast you can enjoy before heading out for your morning run. Or, why not put your own twist on your morning cereal with these delicious [cereal topping ideas](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/breakfast-ideas/cereal-topping-ideas)
## WHAT TO EAT BEFORE YOGA?
If you like a full English breakfast, try to leave a few hours before your yoga session to avoid feeling too full during certain poses. For a quick and tasty start to the day (and maybe more comfortable yoga poses) consider a combination of whole grain cereals, milk or milk alternative and a small handful of dried fruits.
For a delicious treat, why not throw our [Curiously Cinnamon®](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/curiously-cinnamon) cereals into the mix for a flavourful pre-gym breakfast? Make sure to have it a couple of hours before your session and keep a bottle of water nearby.
## WHAT TO EAT BEFORE STRENGTH TRAINING?
Is weightlifting your go-to type of exercise? Try a pre-gym breakfast combining Greek yoghurt, a handful of fresh blueberries and [Shreddies®](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shreddies) whole grain cereals.
If you’ve got a pack of chia seeds waiting to be opened in the cupboard, add a teaspoon on top and you’ve got a quick and delicious breakfast before you workout.
## What to eat before swimming?
Going for a swim first thing in the morning? It might be tempting to skip a complicated breakfast altogether than deal with the challenge of finding an appropriate meal before jumping into the pool. But your pre-swim breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. We’re thinking banana, milk or milk alternative and our [Shredded Wheat® Honey & Nut](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shredded-wheat/honey-nut) make a good combo for a balanced breakfast before exercise.
It’s recommended that you eat your breakfast at least an hour ahead of your swimming session.
## WHAT TO EAT BEFORE A HIIT WORKOUT?
One easy and tasty way to prep for the morning rush? Try our [Cheerios® Apple-Cinnamon Overnight Cereal and Porridge idea!](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/balanced/apple-overnight-oats) It takes just five minutes to prepare and combines Honey Cheerios® with yoghurt, apple slices, oats, raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
If you don’t like to do your High Intensity Interval Training work out on an empty stomach, one of the best pre-workout breakfasts are overnight oats. It’s not only a delicious option, but it’s also effortless. Get your favourite ingredients, mix them up the night before and voila! A tasty breakfast awaits you in the morning.
## Top Tips for Breakfast Before Exercise
If you enjoy breakfast before your morning workout, whatever idea inspires you the most, don’t forget a few basic rules when deciding what to eat before a workout:
1\. Plan it ahead of time
2\. Allow between 30 minutes to a couple of hours between breakfast and workout (this depends on the type of exercise, but it also varies from person to person, so find out what works best for you)
3\. Drink water before, during and after your session to keep yourself hydrated
With all these delicious pre-workout breakfast options to choose from, it’s all about finding what works for you. Whether you’ve got a few spare minutes or need something you can grab and go, there’s a pre-workout option for everyone.
Need more [tips to start your morning routine?](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/morning-routines/tips-minimise-stress) Check out our 14 simple tips to make every morning, a good morning.
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