Do you REALLY need to eat something before running?

fteale

There is plenty of evidence that coffee right before a workout is beneficial, it raises your heart rate, and makes you burn more calories while not putting in any more effort. That's why caffeine is a banned substance at the Olympics (in high doses). I usually have a cup of tea 30 mins before running.

Caffeine was unbanned at the 2004 Olympics, mainly because that restriction was "impractical" aka dumb.

I didn't know that!

JMCade

If you feel fine, I think you're safe. I always eat first becuz I feel wimpy if I don't. Everyone is different though!

jmruef

For me it's totally a mental thing. I work out right when I get home from work, before dinner. Last night, however, I didn't - DH and I went to dinner first. I wound up eating something that was pretty high in calories, and it put me over my daily allowance by a pretty big chunk. My mind frame was thus changed from "Okay, I have this many calories left for supper" to "Yikes, I really need to get a good workout in!" - which is a hard thing to think about on a full tummy. [I did it, though! Yoga AND the elliptical!]

I would rather look at it as completing my calories for the day, rather than havnig to burn off excess, if that makes sense. I don't necessarily feel guilty for going over, but it's not conducive to the overall plan of weight loss/being healthy to go over all the time.

Hernandezedw

If you feel really sore after your work outs, you might want to try eating something with protein. I don't remember all the facts, but certain proteins help muscle breakdown and repair. You may not have problems, but eating protein prior, might help you recover a lot sooner.

jilld76

ok, thanks, I feel much better.

My husband thinks it's really weird that I drink coffee right before running. I dunno. I can brew it super quick in my Keurig and just feel like I have to have one cup before I do anything in the morning. Although I'm sure it's mental, because the caffeine doens't have time to kick in byt he time I"m on the treadmill.

oh, and I drink coffee too before morning and afternoon workouts and my husband thinks it's crazy and yells at me. I don't consider it any different than if I were to drink a redbull or something, but I will continue with my coffee addiction.

There is plenty of evidence that coffee right before a workout is beneficial, it raises your heart rate, and makes you burn more calories while not putting in any more effort. That's why caffeine is a banned substance at the Olympics (in high doses). I usually have a cup of tea 30 mins before running.

That's great information, thanks!! I will have to print this out for my husband so he'll leave me alone!

iplayoutside19

If you're going to be running for an hour or more, then it's a pretty good idea. Otherwise, it's not that important.

This.

cono0507

I've done it both ways and definitely perform better with some fuel beforehand. If I'll be running more than 45 min, I definitely eat. These days it is usually half a bagel with peanut butter.

Arizona_JR

There are some words on this site that make me scream, and top of the list is "you're supposed to..."

You're not "supposed" to do anything. There are no hard and fast "this way and no other" rules.

Fasted cardio (working out on an empty stomach) is a fairly well-known technique, and it suits some people, especially if exercisisng first thing in the morning. On the other hand, some people find they get dizzy if they exercise on an empty stomach, or can work-out better if they've given their body some fuel first.

If it suits you, and your body is letting you know it's OK with that, then carry on! Good luck.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

M_lifts

do what works for you. i usually need to eat something, either a cereal bar or a small handful of almonds to charge my batteries up!