When to eat breakfast (given my schedule)

mark_mfp

Hi All

With the weather improving, I'm switching from 30 mins on elliptical to 4 mile outdoor walk in morning (about 70 mins). I get up at 5am, and need to be in shower by 7am latest. I'm currently eating a low carb egg "casserole" (pretty much a frittata with turkey sausage, spinach, mushrooms)

By the time I've woken fully, been to bathroom, dressed, and got sneakers on, it's close to 5:15. This morning I went for my walk and then ate breakfast, so that I could eat while cooling down and relaxing after walk. Understandably, my energy levels were low and my pace was poor. My concern is that if I eat before I go, it's way too soon to exercise after eating.

I like the power crunch protein bars (200 cals each), so would it make sense to eat one (or half of one) before I go for the walk, or should I eat the egg dish and go out 5 mins later?

Thanks

Mark

AnvilHead

Eat whatever works best for you at whatever time works best for you. Meal timing is irrelevant to weight loss, but it's certainly relevant to workout performance - and that's a very individual thing.

bbell1985

It's a walk. Eat what you want. Eat right before if you need.

I personally would not want anything calorie dense that early in the morning. You have a long day ahead of you.

RoxieDawn

I workout at 5:00 a.m., way too early to eat anything before my workout. Presuming I do not under eat the day before I usually have enough on board to do an hours+ of moderate exercise.

If your walks will be better with eating before, do that. When and how much you eat is very individual, experiment with what will work better for you.

apullum

The only thing that matters is when you prefer to eat. If you feel that you need to eat before your walk, but are concerned that a large meal would upset your stomach, then have a snack before your walk and a larger meal when you're done. I generally eat a piece of fruit before I run, and then breakfast after.

L1zardQueen

I skip breakfast and eat brunch when I get back from my hikes. Works for me.

Cbean08

A few options -

wake up earlier, eat your eggs and then go for a walk
eat a banana before you walk, then come home and eat again
eat your eggs, walk, shower quicker
get used to eating nothing before walking

You'll figure out what works best for you. For just walking, I could go without food. But, for my regular exercise, I need some breakfast in me.