10 Whole-Grain Breakfast Recipes for Runners to Fuel Up On

Fruit smoothies are perfect for those mornings when you want to sip on something light and yummy to power up before your sunrise run – and this creamy peach blend is a total dream. Sweetened with a touch of honey (and, of course, juicy ripe peaches), this smoothie gets a little whole-grain oomph from quick-cooking rolled oats.

If you’re heading out for your run before the sun comes up, you’re going to want something quick, easy and tasty to fuel you right when you wake up. Enter: the ultimate whole-grain breakfast cookie. Made with a hearty base of oats and spelt flour and loaded with mouth-watering add-ins like dried cranberries, dark-chocolate chunks and diced apples, these chewy Baking Therapy cookies can be made in advance and enjoyed at sunrise.

Have a hard time waking up for your morning run? This feels-like-dessert (but made for breakfast) cheesecake tart just might motivate you to set your alarm. The oatmeal-style base is made with whole grains like oats and your choice of whole wheat or spelt flour, and then topped with a creamy, high-protein Greek yogurt filling. No-bake for breakfast? Yes, please.

Want a gluten-free (but still whole-grain) breakfast option? A staple of Ethiopian cuisine, teff is a high-fibre, ancient whole grain that’s naturally gluten-free. Topped with sliced pear and a dollop of almond butter, this flavourful breakfast bowl features teff alongside an array of warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

Whether sliced or served on toast, peanut butter and banana is a classic combination for a runner’s breakfast, but the same-old recipes can get a little boring after a while. Blended to creamy perfection, this simple breakfast smoothie takes things up a notch with oats, pitted dates and a hint of cinnamon.

Veggies? Check. Whole grains? Check. Yummy? Check. Muffins are convenient to make ahead of time, which makes them a simple breakfast option for runners to consider. These breakfast muffins are made with a mix of zucchini, carrot, apple and oats for a hearty and delicious baked-good breakfast.

Speaking of baked breakfasts, this baked oatmeal recipe featuring oats, apples, nuts and chia seeds just might be the most delicious way to enjoy a warm, satisfying serving of oatmeal on a chilly morning. Strapped for time when you need to get your run in? You can make this recipe in advance, and then heat up a bowl in the microwave for a quick breakfast. 

Want another recipe that can fuel you up before your run, but that’s equally ideal for a post-run treat? It’s hard to find a long-distance runner who doesn’t love a tall stack of pancakes, and this recipe levels-up the experience with chia, flax and sunflower seeds in the pancake batter.

This high-protein and fiber-loaded breakfast bowl is the answer for savoury breakfast lovers. You can thank the quinoa for about half the total protein. We like the red variety because it holds its shape during cooking and has the benefit of extra antioxidants.

This whole-grain porridge is a yummy breakfast option to try. Dehulled or hulless barley is unprocessed and takes longer to cook than the quicker pearled barley; use either for this recipe (servings of fiber will differ).