Eating before working out

DawnBul15

How long before working out should I have a snack? I usually eat something at 10 and then run at 12. Just wondering if this is the best way to go.

Thanks.

DrBorkBork

I usually have lunch & the workout right after, within a half hour. Dunno if there's a medical answer though, like waiting an hour after eating before you swim (which I've never had a problem with jumping in the pool 5 mins after eating)

michlingle

Sounds fine

sculley

I don't know the proper amount of time I believe everybody is different in digestion I try to eat my lunch about 10:30 or so and run at 11:30

SHBoss1673

techically that depends on what type of workout, how hard you are working out, and how long the workout is going to last. I.E. if you are doing an hour of hard cardio, then you want to give yourself carbs (good carbs) about 1.5 to 2 hours before you work out, but not too many, maybe 100 to 200 calories worth (over and above any normal snack amount), this will allow for extra energy to be broken down and enter the blood as glucose (blood sugar).

If it's an anaerobic workout (strength, or circuit training type activity), then you want to wait until after you workout, usually within an hour, and have a carb/protein mix, usually about a 3:1 ratio (carbs:protein). But don't go too crazy on the amounts, maybe a 24 g of carbs and 8 g of protein should do for most strength training routines.

Other than that, there's really no need to eat before you workout specifically. Although it probably won't hurt. You should wait at least 20 minutes or so after you eat though, this avoids cramping, which can, and will happen if you work out right after eating.

Robby

For what it's worth. When I go to the gym in the morning (30min of strength and 30 min of cardio) I really struggle getting through the cardio both mentally and physically if I don't eat anything. I found that having a breakfast bar (Odwalla GoMega 220 cals) and a little caffine first makes a huge difference in stamina and energy put forth. I burn more calories at the gym when I fuel up first.

Fieldsy

also, eat after a workout

I had a whey protein shake after every workout....feels good and repairs your muscles