Early morning Atkins exercises: question for you

susannahcooks

A trainer told me that you should absolutely 100% not work out on an empty stomach first thing in the morning - that the overnight fast would not give you the energy to get in a good work out, and you were at risk for getting some low blood sugar issues during your workout.

So in 'the old days' I used to get up and have a banana and a half a glass of low-sugar orange juice before work out, and then I'd eat my low-carb/high-protein breakfast about an hour later.

Now that that those high carb fruits are off-limits (I'm still induction, so I"m still trying to keep my net carbs under 20), what do you do? I have been doing 1/2 of an Atkins Day Break shake before, and the other half right after, and then about 90 minutes later my usual breakfast. My weight loss has stalled over the last few days (could be shark week, but I've also heard that the Atkins shakes are sometimes to blame), so I'm looking for good alternatives. Preferably easy ones so I don't have to prepare anything when I'm still kinda bleary-eyed. Ideas?

findingfit23

I almost never eat anything. If I do, it has be at least an hour before hand. When I was doing early morning weight training ill have a protein shake sometimes, or a piece of string cheese. My shakes are 0 carbs. But I was having to get up extra early just to eat.
When I do cardio, its almost always on an exmpty stomach. I dont even drink water during. For me its more of a sensitive stomach thing. But I will have something as soon as im done, usually the string cheese or shake still. Then I eat breakfast when I get to work.

Laura_beau

I exercise straight after work in the evening, before dinner.

But- if you have to work out first thing try a MIM (Flax muffin- induction friendly) in chocolate, mocha or plain buttered like toast. (see the MIM thread for recipes/ methods.

Or make a batch of frittata 'muffins' the night before. Mix up some eggs, veggies, cheese, ham or whatever and por into a greased muffin tin, bake for 25 mins et voila- they will keep for several days in the fridge.

mountainmare

I am the same as you--used to have a banana and skim milk.
On the Today show they just addressed this question. For most people it is ok to exercise on an empty stomach. By most people they clarifies people doing the normal 30-60 min cardio or cross training routine, not people who are going out to run ten miles etc.

I was frustrated by the eating because of the wait time required, so I decided to give exercising before eating a shot. I do the 30 Day shred in the morning. I've been doing this on an empty stomach this week and I feel better than before...even trying your plan of half a shake. I just don't feel weighted down. I do have a big glass of water when I get up.

All you can do is try it, if you don't feel good go to another plan. BTW I am doing this on induction and still fell that I have energy before eating.

TXBelle1174

I make a protein shake (I like the Jillian Michaels chocolate) - 1 scoop protein shake powder, 1 tbs peanut butter, 1 cup unsweet almond milk, a few ice cubes and blend. DELICIOUS and gives you energy boost, etc you might need 1st thing in the morning. I am on a strict low carb diet too, not as strict as induction, but pretty close. I think the whole shake is 5 net carbs or something like that.

Marll

There's no good scientific reason to eat before working out in my opinion. I HATE eating and then working out, makes me feel sick, and would much prefer to eat afterwards.