Is candy good before a run? (2023)

Is it good to eat candy before running?

Yes, all simple carbohydrates have the same number of calories per gram (four), and all provide fuel that your body can use quickly.

Candy can provide a quick fix of carbs in the form of sugar. Reed's favorites include Sour Patch Kids and Nerds, but any type of gummy or chewy candy works well. For best results, aim for about 150 to 200 calories worth of a carb-rich treat, and enjoy it 30-60 minutes before your workout, Reed said.

Eating chocolate before a run can increase your blood sugar levels for a more sustained amount of time than if you don't eat chocolate, one study found. Participants reported the run felt easier, allowing them to run longer and still enjoy it.

Sugar and Endurance

Research shows that when a runner consumes high-glycemic (Gl) foods, like white bread, ice cream, or high-sugar energy bars an hour before a run, he or she may become fatigued more quickly.

1. Consume sugar in races lasting longer than one hour. Studies show that sugar boosts performance in events lasting as little as 60 minutes, even though such events aren't long enough to deplete your carb stores. It appears that sugar does this by simulating the nervous system.

You know saturated fats are bad for your heart, but sugar can also have a damaging effect on your cardiac health. A high intake of added sugars seems to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

If you're really set on having a candy bar, choose one with dark chocolate for an energy kick that lasts without a sugar crash. "Dark chocolate is best because it contains cocoa butter, which helps the caffeine release more slowly and steadily over time," says Christy Brissette, a Toronto-based nutritionist.

Fast Food. It might be tempting, but skip the drive-through on the way to the gym. Chances are, you'll feel uncomfortably full, and the fat and sugar in most fast food items will keep you from getting the most out of your workout.

In layman's terms, the sugar you consume in training and racing is immediately used for energy and will enhance your performance. Sugar can also restock glycogen storage and spur along recovery when consumed after running long distances or intense workout.

That said, runners should avoid eating cheese immediately before a run because it provides little carbohydrate to fuel working muscles, and is rich in protein and fat which can cause GI distress during exercise. Furthermore, runners should be cautious about eating too much cheese.

How do I get energy before a run?

Timing Your Pre-Run Meals and Snacks

As a very general rule, some running experts recommend a light meal about one and a half to two hours before you start running, or a small snack 30 minutes to an hour before running. It's best to experiment during training runs and workouts to see what works for you.

Fasted running is most known for its purported effect on fat burn. The idea is that your body uses more fat as energy because your carbohydrate stores are low. The result is higher fat burn, or “oxidation.”

The Bottom Line. As with most things in the nutrition world, moderation is key when it comes to sugar. Although runners need a bit more sugar than most people, that doesn't give you license to eat a brownie sundae after each run. But to eliminate all sugar from your diet may actually hinder your running performance.

There's no need for athletes to avoid sugar. In fact, avoiding sugar could lead to worse performance in workouts and races. Instead of avoiding sugar altogether, athletes can be strategic with their nutrient timing. When consumed before exercise, sugar offers fast-access fuel for working muscles.

Gummy worms – When it comes to candy as running fuel, you really can't go wrong with anything gummy.

Tempo runs boost fitness levels while improving your technique and taking you to your edge. Run at a moderate-to-fast pace that's a little faster than your average pace for 5 minutes. Then jog for a few minutes. Gradually increase the time of your tempo pace to 10 to 30 minutes.

You can improve your running pace by participating in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or speed workouts. Try performing them on a track near your home. Sign up for a local 5K race or two to stay motivated to improve your time. Remember, it's important to build up speed gradually to stay injury-free.

“Sugars are an important energy source for athletes because in their simplest form, they are carbohydrates – the body and brain's main fuel source,” Larson added. So which sugars help or hurt your workout? Larson recommends simple sugars like glucose for workouts. Glucose is found in carbs like bread, pasta and fruits.

Does candy make you weaker?

A high-sugar meal or snack without protein and fat quickly spikes your blood sugar, but as your body rushes to process all of it, your energy levels crash, making you feel sluggish and irritable, Cording says.

Some athletes may perceive a negative effect on their bodies from consuming sugar or carbohydrate-dense foods an hour before exercise. Sports dietitian Louise Burke states, “In one study, when athletes consume glucose an hour before prolonged cycling they fatigued sooner than when they cycled without eating.