TikTok claims Rice Krispies Treats — a snack made from melted marshmallows and rice puff cereal — is an effective pre-workout, according to multiple sources online.
Pre-workout is usually a supplement, often in the form of a pill or powder, that is meant to give you energy for your workout, per WebMD.
USA Today reported that TikTok users said a Rice Krispies Treat can act as a suitable pre-workout because it can “improve workouts and give them more power during training sessions.”
Medical News Today, an online health news platform, said that “Rice Krispies Treats make for a suitable pre-workout snack due to their simple carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary fuel source, so eating a high-carb snack before a training session can boost energy and performance.”
Hillary Ake, a sports dietitian, told Medical News Today that the treats are “a quick carbohydrate, taste good and are easy to consume.”
Health is an educational fitness platform that said it’s best to eat the treat before intense cardio or strength exercise routines, adding that “if you’re going to eat a Rice Krispie Treat as your pre-workout snack, keep in mind that less than 10% of your daily calories should be added sugar. If you need 2,000 calories every day, you should try to eat no more than 200 calories in added sugar.”
USA Today said one user shared via social media that using the treat as a pre-workout gave him “30 mins of sugar high then a sugar crash that ruined the back end of my workout. Not for me.”
Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, associate professor of exercise physiology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s Department of Exercise and Sport Scienceand an active researcher insports nutrition and exercise performance, told USA Today that an ideal pre-workout would be a meal containing all necessary nutrients about three hours before exercising.
Pre-workout
Health said for workouts that are less than an hour, no pre-workout is needed. For long, high-intensity workouts, “you should eat 30-60 grams of carbohydrates for every hour of exercise.”
Forbes listed common ingredients found in pre-workout supplements, which include:
- Caffeine, meant to increase focus and attentiveness.
- Beta-alanine, an amino acid that may decrease muscle fatigue.
- Creatine, an amino acid meant to increase energy.
FAQs
Medical News Today, an online health news platform, said that “Rice Krispies Treats make for a suitable pre-workout snack due to their simple carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source, so eating a high-carb snack before a training session can boost energy and performance.”
Why do fitness influencers eat Rice Krispies? ›
Beyond being a convenient snack that you can buy in huge packs and easily consume on the way to the gym in combination with an electrolyte or pre-workout drink, the reason is simple — simple carbs. Rice Krispie Treats are a good source of easily digestible carbohydrates, making them an ideal fuel for intense workouts.
Is it good to eat rice before a workout? ›
Healthy carbohydrates (carbs) from whole grains like oatmeal or cold cereals, rice, pasta, beans or starchy vegetables provide long-lasting energy that will help you to get the most from your workouts. Lean protein like chicken, low-fat dairy products, and eggs also are good sources of pre-workout fuel.
What are the best pre-workout snacks? ›
Best pre-workout snacks to fuel your exercise
| Snack | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|
| Whole-wheat toast with peanut butter | 21.6 grams | 9.7 grams |
| Oatmeal with fruit, such as apple slices | 56 grams | 3.6 grams |
| Low-fat yogurt with berries, such as blueberries | 26 grams | 2.9 grams |
| Whole-grain crackers with cheese | 19 grams | 11 grams |
2 more rowsMay 17, 2024
What to eat before a workout. Before a workout, choose carbohydrates that are higher in fibre, so they release their energy slowly, and lean protein. For example, if you're exercising at lunchtime, have a porridge made with low-fat milk and some fruit, or egg on wholegrain toast for breakfast.
Why do bodybuilders eat rice cakes? ›
High Carbohydrate Content: Rice cakes are primarily composed of rice, which is a complex carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy during endurance activities. They provide a steady release of energy and help sustain performance over a longer duration.
Does honey work as a pre-workout? ›
Yes. Studies show that honey is an easy-to-digest carbohydrate which makes it ideal as a pre-workout snack. It releases energy slowly, and helps to maintain blood glucose levels. These things enable exercise for prolonged periods while maintaining optimal cognitive function.
Why do people eat square bars before the gym? ›
“There are quick and longer-lasting carbs- quick carbs are simple sugars that are easily and quickly digested, so we can start using them for energy right away.” Before an intense workout, simple carbohydrates may be better than complex carbs because they are easily accessible and fast-acting fuel for muscles.
Is cereal a good pre-workout snack? ›
Cereal is quick and easy, and something that you can eat about an hour before your workout. (Here are the healthiest cereals you can eat.) Pair the cereal with skim milk to create a nice ratio of protein to carbohydrates. To add more simple carbs for energy, toss in fresh fruit.
What exercise burns the most belly fat? ›
Some of the best exercises to burn fat include planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches. These exercises target the core muscles, helping to tone and tighten your midsection. Creating a routine is essential for achieving your fitness goals. Start with a warm-up to prepare your body for the workout.
To remain healthy and get through your workout, you'll need some sort of snack beforehand. The 30-minute limit gives your body a chance to digest what you've eaten to use it as a source of energy. If you eat and then get moving too soon, you'll feel sick.
Is rice krispie a good pre-workout? ›
Rice Krispies treats have recently gained popularity on social media for their use as a pre-workout snack. Because they primarily consist of simple carbs, they are a suitable choice for people performing moderate to high intensity workouts.
What are two food types to avoid pre-workout? ›
Worst Things to Eat or Drink Before a Workout
- Granola or Protein Bars. 1/12. These might seem like a good idea before you hit the gym, but there's no clear definition of what they really are. ...
- High-Fiber Vegetables. 2/12. ...
- High-Fat Food. 3/12. ...
- Yogurt. 4/12. ...
- Smoothies. 5/12. ...
- Flaxseed. 6/12. ...
- Fast Food. 7/12. ...
- Energy Drinks. 8/12.
In order to properly fuel your body, it's best to consume carbohydrates before a workout, rather than large amounts of protein, experts said. People should choose their pre-workout snacks based on their weight, preferences, and the type of activity they're doing.
Are rice cakes good for pre-workout? ›
Our suggestion for the best pre workout snack is rice cakes with peanut butter (I also like to add some banana to mine!). This will provide you with carbohydrates to fuel your workout, as well as unsaturated fat (which is another good source of energy), and a bit of protein.
Is cereal good for pre-workout? ›
Cereal is quick and easy, and something that you can eat about an hour before your workout. (Here are the healthiest cereals you can eat.) Pair the cereal with skim milk to create a nice ratio of protein to carbohydrates. To add more simple carbs for energy, toss in fresh fruit.
What are the benefits of Rice Krispies? ›
One of the great advantages of Rice Krispies cereal is that it does not contain any trans fats or saturated fats, so it's a viable option if you're trying to avoid these fats. Rice Krispies cereal also happens to be completely cholesterol-free, as per the USDA.
Are rice crispy treats healthy? ›
The packaged version of Rice Krispie Treats is a highly processed food and not healthy. You'll be better off making them yourself at home, where you control what ingredients you use and can choose healthier options. In moderation, homemade Rice Krispie treats should be tolerated by most people.
