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What You Should Eat Before & After a HIIT Workout
If you’ve ever felt lightheaded doing burpees or cramping while on the treadmill, your pre and post-workout nutrition might be the culprit. High-intensity interval training demands a lot from your body, and ensuring that you are feeding it properly can make the difference between crushing your workout and struggling to make it through.
Should You Take a HIIT Class on an Empty Stomach?
The age-old question: should you eat before HIIT or not? While some swear by fasted cardio to burn fat, the demanding nature of a HIIT class makes pre-workout nutrition important.
When you exercise on an empty stomach, your body can start breaking down muscle protein for energy instead of using fat and carbohydrates. If your goal is to build muscle and improve strength then this would be counterproductive.
While everyone’s body responds differently, training without adequate fuel can lead to:
- Dizziness
- Early fatigue
- Cramping
- Reduced strength
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
HIIT workouts cause significant fluid loss through sweat which makes hydration before class paramount. Even being slightly dehydrated can cause:
- Lower your exercise capacity
- Increase perceived exertion
- Impaired temperature regulation
- Slower recovery
Whenever possible, start hydrating hours before your workout. You should aim to consume about 16-20 oz of water 2 hours before exercise, and another 8 oz 30 minutes ahead of your class start time. It is recommended to drink electrolytes during training to help replace what you’re losing through sweat. Then your hydration should continue after as well to ensure your recovery stays on track and you are prepped for your next session.
Best Foods to Eat Before Interval Training
The timing of your pre-workout meal matters just as much as what you eat. Ideally, you want to fuel your body so it has the right balance of energy and comfort—without feeling heavy or sluggish once class starts.
If your workout is in the early morning, it can be tough to plan a full meal, so here’s how to time your nutrition based on when you train:
2-3 hours before HIIT: Enjoy a complete meal with carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of fat. This gives your body time to digest and top off energy stores.
1-2 hours before HIIT: Have a smaller meal or snack centered on carbohydrates with a bit of protein to help tide you over without feeling full.
30-60 minutes before HIIT: This window is the most crucial. Stick to quick, easy-to-digest carbohydrates and keep fiber, fat, and protein low as they slow digestion. Aim for about 30–60 grams of carbs, depending on your individual needs.
Here is what our coaches recommend you eat before and after any HIIT class so you can optimize your performance and recovery:
- Carbohydrates: These are your body’s preferred energy source for high-intensity exercise and are especially helpful for immediate preworkout snacks.
- Oatmeal with berries
- Banana with a small amount of peanut butter
- Toast with honey
- Rice cakes with a thin layer of jam
- Fruit smoothie (not too thick or high in fiber)
- Bonus tip: If you are running out the door at 4:55 am, try for a spoonful of honey, or even a sports drink to get some glucose in your system
- Protein: A moderate amount helps prevent muscle breakdown.
- Greek yogurt
- Small portion of chicken or turkey
- Protein powder in a light smoothie
- Egg whites
- Healthy Fats: Since this takes longer to digest, keep fat intake minimal.
- Avocados
- Almonds
- Peanut butter
What to Eat After a HIIT Workout
Your post-workout meal is where recovery truly begins. The first hour after class is the most important window for replenishing energy and repairing muscles, as your body is primed to absorb nutrients efficiently.
If you can’t sit down for a full meal right away, start with a protein shake or piece of fruit to kickstart recovery, then follow up with a complete, balanced meal within two hours.
We would highly recommend that you eat the following:
- Protein: After intense exercise, your muscles need protein to repair and rebuild. You should aim for at least 20-30 grams of high-quality protein within 30-45 minutes of your workout.
- Protein shake
- Chicken, beef, or another meat
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Tofu or tempeh for plant-based options
- Carbohydrates: Carbs help replenish glycogen stores and restore energy levels. The harder the workout, the more important carbs become.
- White or sweet potatoes – fun fact: regular white potatoes actually contain almost twice as much potassium as a sweet potato or banana, helping replenish electrolytes and prevent cramps. They’re also a complex carb that supports steady energy and helps manage hunger for the rest of the day.
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Fruits such as bananas or berries
- Whole grain bread
- Antioxidants: High-intensity interval training creates oxidative stress in the body and foods rich in antioxidants can help fight this.
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
- Dark leafy greens
- Berries
- Green tea
- Healthy Fats: In moderation, these can reduce inflammation and support absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
- Fatty fish like salmon
Sample post-HIIT meal ideas:
- Eggs on whole grain toast with avocado
- Greek yogurt with berries and honey
- Grilled chicken with sweet potato and broccoli
- Smoothie with banana, berries, protein powder, and spinach
- Salmon with quinoa and asparagus
- Tofu stir-fry with brown rice and vegetables
Whether you’re new to HIIT or a seasoned athlete, personalizing your nutrition strategy can take your performance to the next level. Experiment with different pre and post-workout foods to find what works best for your body and goals.
Keep a simple food journal noting what you ate before workouts and how you felt during and after. Over time, you’ll identify patterns that can help you optimize your nutrition for peak performance.
Remember that everyone’s nutritional needs vary based on:
- Individual metabolism
- Type and duration of HIIT workout
- Personal fitness goals
- Dietary restrictions and preferences
- Training time of day
By paying attention to what and when you eat around your HIIT workouts, you’ll be able to push harder, recover faster, and get better results from your training efforts.
If you want more help dialing in your nutrition to match your training, Dietitian Sara Wegener, with Wegener Wellness LLC can help. She is great at making the science simple, and figuring out what actually works for YOU.
