The Myth - Oats aren't for Fitness
First, let's get one big myth out of the way - that Oats are not fitness food. Most people think about eggs or other protein solutions, but surprising to many, oats are in fact a are a fantastic fitness fuel.
Rich in whole grain energy and nutrients, they are on their own great, but even better they form the basis for our Earnest Oat Cups and Bags, where we add even more nutrition in whole food nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Read more below for details on how we are a great fuel for high-intensity workouts.
Fuel Your Training with our Earnest Oat Cups and Our Energy Hack with Espresso & Almond Butter.
First, let's get one big myth out of the way - Oats in general are fantastic fitness fuel.
Rich in whole grain energy and nutrients, they are on their own great, but even better a basis for our Earnest Oat Cups and Bags, where we add even more nutrition. Read more below for details on how we are a great fuel for high-intensity workouts.
HYROX has quickly become one of the fastest-growing fitness races in the world, combining functional strength with endurance in a challenge that rewards preparation as much as performance.
And HYROX is just one example of high intensity training that benefits from our Earnest Energy Hack Breakfast, with F45, Ragnar, Crossfit and of course endurance running and cycling all benefitting from a breakfast with substance.
Whether you’re training for your first event or trying to shave minutes off your personal best, what you eat before your workout matters.
The ideal pre-workout meal should provide steady energy, be easy to digest, and provide the nutrients your body needs to sustain the effort and support healthy recovery and regeneration. With all the focus on protein out there, we thought it would be helpful to talk about what really makes for a great breakfast fuel and share with you our one of our favorite hacks with our Earnest Oat Cups.
…and psst, here’s the real secret to our Earnest hack – hydration. Everyone knows hydration matters, but you may not have thought about how our Earnest Oat Cups can give you a jumpstart on your hydration needs in ways most other breakfast solutions like eggs can’t deliver.
Why Earnest Energy Breakfast Hack is Great Fuel for HYROX and All the High Intensity Workouts, and Protein Alone is Not Enough
HYROX workouts combine running with functional movements like sled pushes, rowing, lunges, wall balls, and burpee broad jumps. These longer, high-intensity sessions rely heavily on carbohydrates to fuel working muscles.
F45 and endurance activities like running, especially with sprints, are similar. And this is why just focusing on protein is, we think, not helpful, because our bodies need so much more that protein for the demands of these intense workouts. You need
- Steady energy from complex carbohydrates
- Protein for recovery and regeneration
- Easy digestion
- Easy, fast breakfast prep so you’ll stick with it
Our Earnest Oat Cups are a great fitness fuel already with:
- Whole grain oats and quinoa provide complex carbohydrates that release energy gradually, helping support sustained performance throughout your workout.
- We find warm oatmeal is easier to digest than cold, making you feel lighter and ready to go. And the soluble fiber in our oats is great for gut-health and digestion.
- Yes, protein, with 7g per cup from our whole grains, nuts and seeds, so you have recovery fuel for muscles.
- “Sneaky” hydration! Lets not forget that adding water/mylk to your oat cup means you’re getting a nice amount of hydration too, especially in the morning, for pre-workout prep.
Going Uplevel with Our Favorite Pre-Workout Upgrade
One of our favorite ways to prepare an Earnest Eats Oat Cup before training is with two simple additions:
☕ A shot of espresso
If you already enjoy caffeine before exercise, adding a shot of espresso to your prepared oats is an easy way to incorporate it into your morning routine. Many athletes choose caffeine before training because it can help them feel more alert and ready to perform. Of course it works great whether popped in your oat cup, or enjoyed alongside, but we love how the rich flavor really ups the experience overall.
🥄 A tablespoon of almond butter
Adding almond butter brings healthy fats, a good 3-4g of extra protein, and a rich, creamy texture that makes your oats even more satisfying. That means you’re hitting a solid 10g of protein per serving, about the same as 2 medium eggs.
Together, these additions create a balanced breakfast that’s easy to make before an early morning workout.
Ready in Minutes
Preparing breakfast shouldn’t take longer than your warm-up.
Simply:
- Add hot water to the fill line, and/or your favorite milk or plant-based mylk to an Earnest Eats Oat Cup and let sit for 3 minutes with the lid back on.
- Stir in one shot of freshly brewed espresso (optional).
- Mix in one tablespoon of almond butter.
- Top with sliced banana, fresh berries, cinnamon, or hemp hearts if you’d like.
- Enjoy before heading to your workout, whether the gym or outdoors.
BONUS OVERNIGHT: You can also prepare your oats the night before for an easy grab-and-go breakfast on busy training mornings, just add your mylk and pop in the fridge, then add espresso and almond butter before enjoying.
Myths Dispelled - Earnest Oat Cups are a Great Fuel for Every Workout
Whether you’re training for your first HYROX race, building strength in the gym, or simply looking for a satisfying breakfast that keeps you going all morning, Earnest Eats Oat Cups make fueling your day simple.
Great nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the best performance breakfast is as easy as wholesome oats, your favorite milk, a little almond butter, and—if you like—a shot of espresso.
And we think the real hack here is hydration! Unlike most other breakfast options, a full cup of Earnest Oats with hot water or mylk provides a source of hydration that everyone needs for a healthier workout.
Train hard. Recover well. Eat earnestly.