4 Go-To Breakfasts of Fitness Champions
Photo: Yasu & Junko/Trunk Archive
You know it’s vital to eat before a morning workout, but opt for filling eggs and bacon and you won’t make it through to savasana in your yoga class. On the other hand, if you skip it entirely, that boot camp session could be interrupted by a fainting spell—and you are not an 18th centure heroine. Hours later, you might find yourself office foraging through the office kitchen for an extra packet oatmeal, or making a beeline for the corporate bagel breakfast. So what is the ultimate breakfast? We talked to the pros—top fitness instructors and personal trainers—to find out which foods keep them satisfied, instead of nauseated and/or stuffed. Should you “eat your Wheaties?” Read on to find out
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Jesse Alexander, Flywheel New York Instructor
This indoor cycling instructor likes to eat a kale omelet made with four egg white and one yolk, with a slice of sprouted bread toast with peanut butter. “Kale, a known superfood, not only gives the eggs flavor, but is great for bone health,” Alexander says. “The side of toast with peanut butter is just the right amount of carbs and good fat.” He opts for this breakfast combo when he’s strength trained (and lifted heavy weights) the day before. Alternatively, Alexander makes oatmeal topped with raspberries and/or sliced apple. “Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, this breakfast primes your muscles pre-sweat session and helps keep your cardiovascular system strong and healthy,” he says.
Ben Hart, Qinetic.com Co-founder, Boxer and Personal Trainer
Hart says that eating more good-quality fats in the morning will help hold your appetite for longer. “Some goods ones are nut butters, coconut, coconut manna, avocados, flaxseed, and olive oil. Try some of these and you’ll notice a difference.” Hart opts for a shake made with almond milk as a base, banana, chia seeds, coconut manna, avocado, and a scoop of vanilla protein. “This helps me with some healthy fats and energy to last me through a late snack,” he says. If he’s looking for a more substantial start, a bowl of chia with almond (or peanut) butter and an added scoop of protein does the trick. “You can create your own pudding that will last you,” notes Hart. If he’s pressed for time, a Quest Bar and a banana do the trick.
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Simran Ahluwalia Tier 4 Coach, Equinox Boston
“Pre-workout meals and snacks should provide all of the nutrients needed for good health, be balanced, and something you can live with daily,” says Ahluwalia. Ahluwalia is a fan of avocado toast, made with half a ripe avocado, ezekiel toast, lemon juice, sea salt and red pepper flakes. Another favorite is an almond milk berry smoothie, blended with frozen berries and a scoop of almond butter. “Just remember to pay attention to portion size, because they’re calorie-dense. Almonds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and fiber,” she explains. “And be sure to find berries that aren’t artificially sweetened.”
Denise Griffin Crowe, Mind Body Manager, Exhale Back Bay
Denise is a fan of Greek yogurt with blueberries and kiwi. “The cooling quality of the yogurt and the antioxidants in the fruit help prepare me for the heat of the class,” she says. Her other go-to breakfast is a two-egg omelet with avocado, salsa, spinach and a dollop of sour cream on top. “The protein helps me with all the quick-release moves and aids in recovery.”
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