carbs or protein before the gym?

irishjeepgirl1969

I'm having some issues that I need help with.

I am one of those 2hr gym people. An hour of cardio and an hour of weight training. What is going to be more beneficial for weight/fat loss: carbs before the gym or protein? I usually lift before work in the mornings then go back for cardio after work. My job is very physical (preschool aid in a large, three story facility) so I feel like I am always hungry and dragging.

I have about 100 pounds to lose, I've lost approximately 100 already.

All advice is welcomed and thanks!

3dogsrunning

Whatever your stomach can handle and doesn't make you hungry.

For fat loss, it is irrelevent.

janjunie

I was one of those 2 hour gym people too. I needed protein and carbs. My go to was Greek yogurt with granola on top.

dvis334

I usually carb load with a mix of low and high glycemics about an hour or two before hitting the gym. The fast burning carbs will help you out in the beginning and the slow ones should keep you energized well into the rest.

usmcmp

Whatever fits your calories and keeps you fueled through the day. A good mix of protein and carbs after your first workout is probably a good idea for recovery and energy through the day (along with staying relatively full). Meal and nutrient timing is mostly for athletes or people wanting to gain a tiny edge in a competition.

By the way, did you know that chocolate milk rated just as good for recovery (and in some cases better) than protein shake.

irishjeepgirl1969

Hahaha! I can't do chocolate milk! I have a little (understatement) binge issue, and that would trigger me BIG TIME!

My problem is that by cardio time, I'm running on fumes.

dvis334, I have no clue what glycemics are. I'm pretty new to the concept of food=fuel. Food has always been comfort for me. I began at over 300 poundspounds, clearly I wasn't just fueling lol!

Greek yogurt + granola sounds good. Thank you janjunie :-)

lemmie177

irishjeepgirl1969 wrote: »

What is going to be more beneficial for weight/fat loss: carbs before the gym or protein?

Honestly, its going to be whichever fuels you to push that much harder during the workout. For me, when I have carbs too close to a workout, my energy levels tend to be unstable and I get highs and lows, which I don't like. Since you're doing cardio in the afternoon, its likely you'll feel better with some carbs, but you should try both out or a combo and see which gives you the better workout.

And congrats on you 100lb loss! That's a huge achievement!

Panda_brat

Everyone is different. Personally for me i do carbs before Gym, and protein after. I seem to be able to loft heavier after having some carbs, but that may be psychosomatic.

Yi5hedr3

45 mins is more than enough for either. Any more than that and it is counter-productive, because your body is in a catabolic state after the 45 minute mark. Also twice a week is plenty for cardio. Weights 3 times a week is fine. Keep your carbs below 100 grams a day to help your body burn more fat.

irishjeepgirl1969

I appreciate all y'all input. Lots to consider! Thanks, y'all

usmcmp

When I have morning workouts I make a breakfast sandwich the day before and microwave it after my workout. Usually an English muffin or 100 calorie bagel thin with maybe 3 egg whites and whole egg. Sometimes I add turkey bacon or a slice of ham or a sprinkle of cheese. I prep it the day before and let it cool completely. Heat the eggs separately when you get ready to eat. It's 250ish calories for a fairly filling post workout meal/breakfast. Jimmy Dean makes D-light sandwiches that are good too.

Cardio isn't absolutely necessary for fat loss, so cutting back on your cardio is something to consider. Fat loss really comes from the calorie deficit. If you enjoy it then keep it up. If you dread it, but you do it to be able to eat more you might want to consider changing your calorie goal to something slightly higher (slower weight loss, but far more sustainable). I know that was slightly off topic.

You may want to have some oatmeal an hour or so before cardio, carbs provide the energy to keep you from dragging.

irishjeepgirl1969

usmcmp wrote: »

When I have morning workouts I make a breakfast sandwich the day before and microwave it after my workout. Usually an English muffin or 100 calorie bagel thin with maybe 3 egg whites and whole egg. Sometimes I add turkey bacon or a slice of ham or a sprinkle of cheese. I prep it the day before and let it cool completely. Heat the eggs separately when you get ready to eat. It's 250ish calories for a fairly filling post workout meal/breakfast. Jimmy Dean makes D-light sandwiches that are good too.

Cardio isn't absolutely necessary for fat loss, so cutting back on your cardio is something to consider. Fat loss really comes from the calorie deficit. If you enjoy it then keep it up. If you dread it, but you do it to be able to eat more you might want to consider changing your calorie goal to something slightly higher (slower weight loss, but far more sustainable). I know that was slightly off topic.

You may want to have some oatmeal an hour or so before cardio, carbs provide the energy to keep you from dragging.

This is exactly the info I needed. Thank you! (I love cardio and lifting. I enjoy pushing my body to do more. I love a good challenge!)

SonyaCele

i usually dont eat before i lift, i sometimes bring a protein shake and take sips during my workout, but i dont like to start my main movements with anything in my stomach, but after i do them i like to have a shot of protein. And after my workout i usually eat a couple hundred calories of solid protein and small amount of carbs (50 cal) this is rationed from my daily calorie allowance.
For cardio, i eat carbs, but not many, about 150-200 calories per hour of cardio and this will be in addition to my allowed calories.