Gluten-Free Pre-Workout & Recovery Foods – What’s Your Go-To?

[Scott Adams]

For those of us with celiac disease, fueling workouts safely can be tricky—especially when many sports gels, bars, and supplements are gluten landmines. I’ve been experimenting with gluten-free options that don’t sacrifice performance or digestion. A few favorites:

• Pre-Workout: Banana with almond butter + a dash of sea salt (electrolytes!) or homemade oat-free energy balls (dates, chia, pea protein).
• Post-Workout: Grilled salmon + roasted sweet potatoes (anti-inflammatory carbs!) or a smoothie with collagen peptides (great for gut healing).

Curious what others rely on! Any gluten-free athletes here found a killer protein powder or recovery snack? Bonus points for ideas that also help with celiac-related inflammation. 

[KennaH]

Interesting topic. I am gluten-free for approx 2 years. Age 60+ with various related health issues related to late diagnosis of celiac disease. Diagnosed osteoporosis and muscle loss. After walking or playing golf, I ate coconut yogurt with collagen protein and whey protein. Whey protein for many amino acids. Bloating and severe abdominal pain. Same with collagen protein powder even though gluten and lactose free. I am suspect exposure through other subtle ingredients. Research on both whey and collagen powders is my focus as I need the benefits of post-workout food items. 

[Scott Adams]

It is possible you have an additional food intolerance, possibly to milk/casein? 

Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months.

Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal.