What should I eat before I exercise?

maryhm1

I'm not really sure what the best thing for me to eat before exercising is. I'm not weight lifting or anything like that (don't want to). Most mornings I will do 30 minutes at Curves, along with about 10 minutes of additional cardio and 10-20 minutes of additional butt or ab exercises thrown in there. A few times a week I'll also add a 3 mile walk to that (with some killer hills) at about a 3.7-4.0 mph pace. What's the best fuel for this? I've recently started eating sweet potato in the morning for breakfast, but don't know if I should be having more protein before I workout or not. I'm generally eating about 1 hour before I workout. Don't say workout on an empty stomach- I already know my body does not like that!

koneil83

I love eating bananas before and after exercising. I am doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Here's what I found about eating them...

Bananas are a great way to fuel your body before or after exercise. They contain natural sugars for sustained energy, very important for exercise, plus a satisfying amount of fiber, in approximately 100 calories. They're rich in vitamin B6, which regulates blood glucose levels and keeps your moods at an even keel. They're also a good source of potassium, which helps to enhance alertness, prevent muscle fatigue, and control high blood pressure.

Read more: http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/bananas-and-exercise#ixzz2DGDTqPJO

just4nessa

Before a morning workout, I usually have toast or an english muffin with sugar free jam, or a fiber one bar. I take Zumba classes and there's a lot of bouncing around so my stomach appreciates me following the one-hour rule as well.

maryhm1

So is everyone just having a carby kinda breakfast then before exercising?

dsmpunk

I like to work out on an empty stomach. I drink about a liter of water before and something carby and proteiny after. Its all personal preference.

edit "I missed your "dont say empty stomach part" sorry "

morgynsmama

I run or lift nomally in the am without eating anything. Why fuel when my body can use what I have stored. That's just my thinking.

PennStateChick

I eat Peanut Butter Toast prior to working out. I also drink a cup (or two) of coffee and at least 20 oz of water prior to working out.

envy09

Anything with complex carbohydrates and/or protein. Usually a whole wheat muffin (63cals) or some cottage cheese.

dwh77tx

I work out in the am and my breakfast is egg whites, tilapia, PB2, and something hot to drink.

maberdine

I like to have a mix of protein and carbs before a workout. I usually have a couple of boiled eggs and a piece of fruit. That seems to give me good sustained energy.

passmetheducksauce

i usually have myself a bowl of oatmeal(half cup dry) and a half cup of almond milk along with a scoop of whey protein powder mixed in

Capt_Apollo

i used to have a pretty hearty serving of oatmeal mixed with peanut butter and a banana, but i found that afterwards, i would be sluggish.

now, since i started intermittent fasting, i like to work out early in the morning, without having eaten anything more then coffee.

Easywider

For that limited amount of exertion I'd say no additional fuel is required. You should be fine up to a 3 day's fast, consecutively.

Sallybirdena

I'm a 9-year member of Curves, and protein is what I've always eaten before a workout -usually a piece of low-fat
string cheese. I know I miss it when I forget. I also start at Curves at 5:30am and I"m not about to get up any earlier
to have breakfast first!

vmekash

I usually exercise about 30-60 min. after I've had breakfast, which is typically cereal or oatmeal and a cup of coffee. Nothing in particular. But, after exercise, I like to have a spoonful (about 1/2 tbs) of peanutbutter. I kind of walk around with it like it is a popsicle. Or, I'll have a banana. I just like to have something right after. I don't even remember why. lol

FloridaPops

Anything with carbs, I've done plain oatmeal an hour prior to....helps.