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
While Rice Krispies Treats before a workout may not be harmful, Michael Daignault, an emergency physician and chief medical adviser for Reliant Health Service, doubts the trend is effective.
Are rice Krispy Treats good to eat before a workout? ›
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 gym people like Rice Krispie Treats? ›
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? ›
White Rice for Workouts
According to USA Rice Information, rice contains more carbohydrates than potatoes for the same serving size. Parboiled, converted, and instant white rice is suggested for pre and post-workout meals. Consuming white rice ensures the body is properly fueled for the competitive athlete.
What is a good substitute for Rice Krispies pre-workout? ›
The simple carbs should be enough to push you through those workouts. If you are not a fan of Rice Krispies, or just want to avoid the treat in general, there is a healthy alternative. Eating a banana 30 minutes before going to the gym gives the same effect that a Rice Krispie treat would give.
What is the best cereal for pre-workout? ›
Cereal: Wheatbix, corn flakes, or any cereal that you enjoy ( keep it reasonably nutritious!). Add some fruit to it to really get you going! Honey in water: A few teaspoons of honey in warm water will digest very quickly and leave you feeling ready to train.
What exercise burns the most belly fat? ›
Exercises to Help With Belly Fat
- Walking, especially at a quick pace.
- Running.
- Biking.
- Rowing.
- Swimming.
- Cycling.
- Group fitness classes.
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. If you exercise, having eaten that full meal several hours prior, you may not have the energy to complete your workout.
Should you eat a banana before working out? ›
Only have 5 or 10 minutes before your workout? Snack on a banana. Their easy-to-digest carbs power you up without weighing you down. They're also a good source of antioxidants and potassium, a mineral that may help prevent muscle cramps.
Why do bodybuilders eat square bars? ›
Rice Krispies treats are easy to digest, making them an ideal snack for before or during a workout. Carbs mixed with fat and protein slow digestion, which can increase the feeling of fullness. This prevents blood-sugar spikes caused by carbohydrate-only meals.
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.
Are rice krispy treats healthy? ›
It contains milk and soy, two common allergens, and high quantities of sugar. It is not a healthy product. The homemade version can be healthier, depending on the ingredients you choose. Using most packaged marshmallows to make Rice Krispie Treats at home will likely contain too high of a sugar content.
Are rice cakes good 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.
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.
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.
