What to Eat Before an Early Morning Run (When You Only Have 15 Minutes)

Greenletes Podcast

Greenletes Podcast
What to Eat Before an Early Morning Run (When You Only Have 15 Minutes)
Jun 09, 2026
Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD

Do you skip breakfast before your morning runs because you don't have enough time to digest? Or maybe you assume your only options are waking up an hour earlier or running completely fasted.

In this episode, sports dietitian Natalie Rizzo breaks down a simple middle-ground approach that can help you feel more energized during those early miles. even when you only have 15 minutes before heading out the door.

You'll learn:

• Why runners often feel sluggish during early morning workouts
• What happens to your glycogen stores overnight
• Why simple carbohydrates work better than high-fiber foods right before a run
• The best quick-digesting snacks to eat 15–30 minutes before running
• How much carbohydrate you actually need
• Hydration tips for early morning runners

Tune in to discover why even a small amount of fuel can make a big difference in your performance, recovery, and consistency as a runner.

Apply to work with Natalie for 1-on-1 nutrition coaching! 

Have questions or want to request a show topic? DM us @greenletes

Check out Natalie's book 📕: Planted Performance



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