Cody Rigsby Eats This Breakfast Before Every Workout

If you want to start your day on a good note, you should eat a nice breakfast. And if you want to start your day on a great note, you should follow that breakfast up with a Cody Rigsby Peloton class. The 38-year-old is one of the most popular instructors for Peloton, with students flocking to his fun, upbeat classes that feature pop music from some of his favorite musicians, like Britney Spears and Whitney Houston (more on that later).

Cody has amassed a bit of a cult following thanks to his sense of humor and his personable approach to fitness. In a given class, he’s more likely to be chatting about what he’s doing this weekend or what he ate for breakfast than yelling inspirational quotes at you as you pedal. It’s an approach that brings people back for more. But don’t be fooled by the casual conversations—he’s also going to make you sweat.

It’s no surprise that Cody has become a Kashi ambassador, since talking about food is one of his favorite things to do. I had a chance to chat with Cody about his pre- and post-workout meals, what he thinks are some of the silliest wellness trends of the moment, and which Kashi cereal he thinks his favorite pop girlies would enjoy the best.

Cody Rigsby on Pre- and Post-Workout Meals

Taste of Home: What is your favorite pre-workout meal?

Cody Rigsby: Right now, I have a double helping of Kashi Go in the morning because it’s easy and quick. I am a morning workout person—not crazy early, like 5 a.m.—but I love like a 9 or 10 a.m. workout. Sometimes, like today, my alarm didn’t go off, so I had a very quick window to get ready and eat and get to the gym on time. So I had a double helping of Kashi go and just hit it.

TOH: What would you tell someone who thinks Kashi cereal isn’t enough for breakfast?

CR: Well, I mean we’re all kind of built differently. Some people—I’ve never experienced this—but some people have a hard time eating first thing in the morning. So for them, like one bowl of Kashi Go might be all they can get down—and thank God, because they’re getting protein and fiber. A bigger person like me? I needed two helpings today. But also, not to quote, like, every Saturday morning cartoon commercial, but it can be part of a complete breakfast, you know? A bowl of Kashi, some eggs, some fruit, and coffee. It’s a foundation you can build on.

TOH: What’s your favorite post-workout meal?

CR: Um, okay, so this one might be a little bit weird. I like to fry up a steak at home, medium rare. And then I usually have that with some fruit, like a banana or mixed berries. It’s very satiating.

Cody Rigsby on Wellness Trends

TOH: What do you think is the silliest viral wellness trend going around right now?

CR: Oh that’s a good one. I mean, I don’t want to say that it’s completely silly, but everyone’s obsession with seed oils right now is like, a little out of control! I think it’s coming from a good place, but a little bit here and there is not going to be the end of you. Sometimes when we jump into trends like that, we allow perfect to be the enemy of good. We’re limiting ourselves so much based on this one factor that we’re not actually hitting our goals. We’re so locked in on one component and not allowing ourselves any wiggle room, you know?

TOH: How do you feel about protein? Are you pro-cottage cheese, or anti-cottage cheese?

CR: Oh, I mean I love cottage cheese. I could eat it all day. I’m not opposed to cottage cheese ice cream in the Ninja Creami. Honestly, there are very few foods that I don’t like.

I think protein should be everyone’s biggest priority when it comes to nutrition, and especially breakfast. When you prioritize protein it allows you to feel satiated, and it keeps it so simple. That is my number one priority when it comes to nutrition. Get your protein in, and then a lot of things start to fall into place.

Cody Rigsby on His Favorite Pop Stars

TOH: Now I want to do something fun where you pick a specific Kashi flavor for some of your favorite icons. What Kashi cereal do you think Beyoncé would enjoy?

CR: Well, this one was kind of easy: Honey Almond Flax Crunch. I mean, it’s got honey in the name, and you know that the Beyhive are crazy about that.

TOH: I love that. What about Britney Spears?

CR: I’m gonna say Mixed Berry Crunch. Something a little colorful, if you will.

TOH: I’m imagining her doing a little Instagram dance with a bowl of Kashi.

CR: You know, she might just eat it out of the box.

TOH: I can totally see it. OK, how about Madonna?

CR: Ooh for Madonna, you know, I’m going to go with Chocolate Crunch.

TOH: And lastly, your girl, Whitney Houston.

CR: You know, I saved my favorite flavor for one of my favorite artists, the greatest singer of all time: Peanut Butter Crunch. And here’s a pro tip, you can put Peanut Butter Crunch and Chocolate Crunch in the same bowl and it makes for a delicious breakfast.

Related:

• The All-Time Best Cereals from Childhood, Ranked
• This Is What Ina Garten Eats for Breakfast Every Day
• Here’s How to Make the Green Smoothie Reese Witherspoon Drinks Every Day