What to eat before a 6 am class (and what to skip)
Simple pre-training food for early sessions, from a banana in the car to a proper breakfast.
Luca Ferrante · August 12, 2026 · 3 min read
An early class does not mean an empty stomach. It also does not mean a three-course breakfast. The right amount is small, simple and eaten 30 to 60 minutes before you start.
If you have 30 minutes
A banana, a slice of toast with honey, or a handful of dates. You want fast carbohydrate that is easy to digest, not fibre or fat.
If you have an hour or more
Porridge with fruit, or toast with eggs. Keep the portion modest: about half of what you would normally eat.
What to skip
- Big portions of protein or fat just before intervals.
- Anything you have never tried before a hard session.
- Fizzy drinks and heavy coffee on an empty stomach, if you notice it affects your gut.
Afterwards
Within two hours of finishing, eat a proper meal with protein, carbohydrate and something green. The smoothie bar opens at 6 am on weekdays if you want to start with one.
Everyone is different. Try one change at a time for a week, and keep the one that makes the 6 am alarm easier.