Exercise and food or Food and Exercise

A1ladya

I'm confused. I workout first thing in the morning (1/2 hr after wakeup) on my eliptical for a half hour. This seems to be the only time I can fit exercise into my schedule. I was told that I should eat some kind of protein when I have completed my workout. I usually consume 3oz of Chobani yogurt. Now I've read that you should not exercise on an empty stomach. Should I eat before I workout and then again after my workout? Any advice would be much appreciated.

lizard053

I work out on an empty stomach every morning and have not had any negative side effects! I have to wait an hour following my thyroid meds, so I exercise. Easiest time to get it in. Plus I'm not hungry right away!

If this system works for you, keep at it and don't worry. There will always be research supporting both sides of this argument!

A1ladya

Thanks for your reply. I also have to wait a half hour before working out because I have to take my puffer for my exercise induced asthma. I've been sucessful with the way I'm working out but was curious as to the answers I would receive. Good luck and keep up the good work for your goals on working out. Thanks agan.

mfpcopine

It's OK to work out in a fasted state. If you felt dizzy or weak that would be one thing, but it sounds like you're fine.

trijoe

Personally, I think you should do what feels good to you.

I workout bright and early many mornings, but my workouts can be pretty long. Also, after being up and active for a few minutes, I tend to get the hungries. So if I don't have something before the workout, I can't sustain. I usually grab a granola bar and wash it down with some water, then get in my workout. Afterward, I make myself a big breakfast. By mid morning, I've had the largest part of my calories. (This is, of course, when I'm on my game.)

I hope this helps.

MrsLVF

I usually have a small protein bar.

cyclerjenn

If I'm working out for an hour or more I will have toast with nut butter otherwise just coffee.

A1ladya

Thanks for all the comments. Sounds like I can keep doing what I'm doing. Good luck to all of you with your regimens and thanks again for all your answers.

Microfiber_wechange

I workout on empty and I do Insanity first thing which is not low impact. I survive on tonnes of water. I have a protein shake immediately afterwards, then shower, then have my breakfast

melaniecheeks

Depends on the exercise (for me - as others have said, you need to work out what works for you)

Cardio - fine in a fasted state. So I can go for a jog before breakfast with no ill effects.

Strength training - I've tried it before breakfast and I get dizzy. So I make sure I eat a piece of fruit or a slice of toast with peanut butter first.

The protein afterwards suggestion is particulalry for strength training, as you need protein to repair the muscle tissue. For post-cardio, you can eat anything.

Cindym82

They say not to work out on an empty stomach because you wont be able to do a work out to your full potential. With that said I think its BS, I work out when I wake up empty stomach and then eat breakfast. So if you are not ready to just go off and eat the eliptical while working out then you're fine lol

secretlobster

It's totally up to you. If you can work out on an empty stomach, it's fine. I feel sick if I work out after eating, so I tend to eat afterward. It is beneficial to get protein in immediately before or after your workout, but your body will accustom to the habits you give it.

A1ladya

Thanks everyone for the comments. I guess I've been doing the right thing. So far its been working for me. Hope things workout for all of you too. Enjoy your workouts and go get em'.