10 Breakfast Recipes for Runners

Written by
Jackie Veling
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we think that's even truer for runners, who need a well-balanced breakfast to fuel for—or recover from—a tough morning run.

These delicious recipes come together quickly and balance carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats, so you can go the distance.
Blueberry Chia Overnight Oats
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Overnight oats are all the rage for a reason. They come together in a flash the night before, are ready first thing in the morning and taste delicious! Plus, this version with chia seeds packs an extra antioxidant punch.
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Sweet Potato, Bacon and Egg Breakfast Tacos
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For those mornings when you need something extra savory and ultra-filling, turn to these runner-friendly breakfast tacos.
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Baked Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffin Cups
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A tiny sugar rush can do the body good, and with chocolate chips and maple syrup, you're sure to get one with this recipe. Plus, plenty of hearty rolled oats means you won't risk crashing.
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Chocolate Cherry Recovery Smoothie
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Cool off from your next run with this delicious smoothie. Ingredients include tart cherry juice and chocolate milk, both of which have been shown to speed recovery in athletes.
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Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes
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Love pancakes but don't love the ingredients? This recipe sneaks in protein-packed cottage cheese and uses rolled oats instead of flour, so you can feel good about these cakes.
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Athlete's Breakfast Power Oatmeal
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A hearty bowl of oatmeal goes a long way, and this version includes one special ingredient: a pinch of ginger. Ginger has been touted for its tummy-healing benefits, so if you suffer from an upset stomach on runs, give this recipe a try.
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Cheesy Bacon Egg Muffins
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With only four simple ingredients, a savory breakfast doesn't get much easier than this. The muffins are also freezer-friendly, meaning you can meal prep them on Sunday and simply defrost a couple each morning.
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Cinnamon Apple Energy Bites
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Need a quick grab-and-go breakfast snack before you're off for your morning run? Try these tasty energy bites that are packed with wholesome ingredients like dried apples, oats, dates and almonds.
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Healthy Banana and Buckwheat Pancakes
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If you have an extra-long weekend run planned, try these hearty pancakes as pre-run fuel. Since they're buckwheat, they're gluten-free but rich in protein. Add a banana for extra carbohydrates and some natural sugar, and you're all set!
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Cranberry and Apple Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
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Packed with protein and containing all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is one of the best foods available for runners. This cranberry-infused breakfast bowl is a great recovery option after your next morning run.
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