Yes! Hot cross buns can be a GREAT pre-training snack

702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane chats to Danielle Oldfield Venter, Sharks Rugby Performance Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian.

Listen below: 

Hot cross buns can be the perfect pre-run snack, just like banana bread, says Oldfield Venter.

They are great before a workout because they're rich in carbohydrates, the fuel for exercise.

An egg has five grams of fat whereas a hot cross bun has just under two grams of fat. For someone exercising, it's a convenient pre-training snack.

However, Oldfield Venter notes that the type of exercise matters if the goal is to burn energy.

"If you're thinking you're going to smash a whole lot of hot cross buns before your workout, be mindful that they are high in sugar so moderation always plays a role."

- Danielle Oldfield Venter, Registered Dietitian

"They are high in sugar so if you're about to go do an insane hour session and burn a lot of energy, then you'll burn it. But if you're going to do something low-key like Pilates, then I probably wouldn't smash a hot cross bun on the way."

- Danielle Oldfield Venter, Registered Dietitian

Yes, it matters how you have it.

"If you're slapping a whole lotta butter on and you're going to do a short workout, then you're probably not going to reach the fitness goals you want."

- Danielle Oldfield Venter, Registered Dietitian

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the conversation.