Timing for Food?

CDamianStevens
CDamianStevens Posts: 8 Member
edited 5:40AM in Health and Weight Loss
Is it better to eat breakfast before or after a morning workout? Why?

Replies

  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    Whatever works best for you.
  • DeviatedNorm
    DeviatedNorm Posts: 422 Member
    I find it's best for me to eat about 100 calories 45min - 1 hr before a workout.

    If I try to workout on an empty stomach, it's very clear how much less energy I have and I tend to ride ~2mph slower than I would if I'd eaten a little.

    But, if I eat an actual meal before a workout (300-400 calories for me), then I feel gross and uncomfortably full during things.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    CDamianStevens wrote: »
    Is it better to eat breakfast before or after a morning workout? Why?

    Which one makes you feel better, gives you a better workout, or is most sustainable for you? Pick that one.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    It doesn't matter.
  • Maxematics
    Maxematics Posts: 2,287 Member
    It varies from person to person. I exercise first thing in the morning (around 5:45 am) and I only do so on a cup or two of black coffee and/or some water/pre-workout. If I eat beforehand I will not be a happy camper. I don't eat my first meal until 9-11am.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,320 Member
    Experiment and see what works for you. Some people get queasy from heavy exercise too soon after eating; some hit a wall, energetically speaking, if they don't eat first. It's very individual.

    I've found I do better with slightly different breakfasts for different workouts, even. Short vigorous exercise (say, hard effort on the rowing machine < 15-20 minutes, I can do fasted. Brisk walks (3.5-5mph) I do for 45 minutes or so without eating. Rowing (on water, for an hour or so) goes better with slightly more carbs than spin class seems to require.

    Find your happy spot!
  • CDamianStevens
    CDamianStevens Posts: 8 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    Experiment and see what works for you. Some people get queasy from heavy exercise too soon after eating; some hit a wall, energetically speaking, if they don't eat first. It's very individual.

    I've found I do better with slightly different breakfasts for different workouts, even. Short vigorous exercise (say, hard effort on the rowing machine < 15-20 minutes, I can do fasted. Brisk walks (3.5-5mph) I do for 45 minutes or so without eating. Rowing (on water, for an hour or so) goes better with slightly more carbs than spin class seems to require.

    Find your happy spot!

    Very insightful, thank you for that! I will become more mindful of what I am eating and how it makes me feel before and/or after morning workouts, or any workout for that matter. Thank you!
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