Eating before early morning workout?

msliu7911

My workouts are usually at 5:30/6am. I start with a 30 min weight session with my trainer followed by 30-60 min of cardio. I never eat breakfast before the gym, and I have been doing fine. No fatigue or dizziness and my workouts are still great. Once I get to the office I will have a piece of fruit and a packet of low-suger oatmeal.

My question for everyone is- am I doing any harm by not eating breakfast before my workout (or waiting to eat breakfast until after my workout)? Like I said, this isn't an issue of me feeling hungry or fatigued because of no food that early, I'm just wondering if even though I'm not hungry I should be having a little something before my workout. I'm also curious as to whether one would better benefit me with my goals of losing weight vs. the other.

Thanks !

tbresina

Good question, I workout at 4am most days and no way can I eat b4.......I usually have a hard boiled egg and whole wheat toast with Pb an hr after my workout though. I think if you feel fine it shouldn't be a problem. I heard you need protein after a workout, ask your trainer, also make sure you are drinking water!

Sidesteal

I would let personal preference dictate your eating schedule. If you don't want to eat immediately before or after a workout, don't do it.

fraudbuster

I used to do workouts before breakfast, until one day I passed out and ended up in the ER.They could not find anything wrong with me, they attributed it to working out on an empty stomach. It was a very bad experience, now I always make sure to eat something before my early morning workout.

gp79

eating is a learned response from our childhood, society and social experiences throughout our lives. Everyone has something they prefer. Just find what works for you and do it.

msliu7911

These are great responses. Tbresina- I like that idea of a hard boiled egg or just something with protein. I don't ALWAYS want to have a shake, but I can alway try to incorporate an egg or low fat PB on toast to give me a little protein. Right now the oatmeal and fruit hardly gives me any protein compared to what I need.

Rae6503

If I work out first thing in the morning I'll often have a protien shake mixed with coffee (half a cup of milk & protein powder used as creamer).

However it's not needed. You'll still have plenty of nutrients in your body from the day before.

LesliePierceRN

From personal experience, I can not eat and work out. Major cramp, heartburn, nausea. I workout empty as well, and make sure I slug the protein down after to feed the muscles.

big_drake

I go in about 5:00 am and I've tired eating like a banana before I go. Now I just have a Gatorade and I've been ok. I usually start getting hungry on the way home though.

jillyt85

I asked my cousin who is a registered nutritionist and she said its better to not eat before your workout, but if you feel weak, then go ahead and eat something small with a little bit of carbs.

sbrouillet

I work out at 6:00am, usually up just before 5:00 so I am awake by the time my class starts. I usually just have a half of a Low Sugar Detour Bar with my vitamens and a glass of water. Then post workout it's usually a protein shake or sometimes just a Greek Yogurt with Kashi Go Lean Crunch and some fruit. It seems to be the correct balance for me anyway.

❤lindsay❤dawn❤

I eat half a banana before I work out and the other half for a mid-morning snack.

Edited for grammatical errors. : /

sblair77

I do protein powder in just the half amount of water so my stomach isn't full. I usually have that 30 mins before - right when I wake up.

Then I have another shake after my work out and a hard boiled egg.

There is no way my body could make it through a session without something. We are using weights and I find when I skip I am weaker.

sassparilla77

The trainer I use to have told me to eat something small before an early morning workout. I would do 1/2 a protein bar with water & drink a hydrating beverage during the workout which contained a bit of calories as well.

memcd911

I envy you people who can eat bananas before a work out. They make me ill pre-workout.

_Shelley_

I too work out very early in the morning (5am weights, 545am spin) and don't eat before class.

I like to keep a protein shake in my car for when I come out and eat a full breakfast within an hr or so of working out. I think it's all in your personal preference. I used to eat but found I worked out the same way if I didn't...so I don't bother anymore. Do what works best for you and your body.

monicaroozo

I workout weekday mornings and don't eat my breakfast (chobani yogurt & fruit with coffee) until I am in the office 1.5 hours later. I drink water in-between this time. I was wondering if I could be doing anything to negatively affect my metabolism since I am not eating within the hour following my exercise. I have never had an issues working out on an empty stomach though and feel that this works well for me.



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