eating before a workout

cfregon

I have different breakfasts each morning typically.. I usually run 3-4 miles...and I start 30-45 minutes after eating. Not hard to find the time to wait- I eat essentially right out of bed, then change, check my email/MFP, etc, stretch and get going. The only time I get nauseous is when I haven't eaten a *good* breakfast (i.e. some sugary cereal) before running. On my strength days I eat a big breakfast, but it's usually a couple hours before with a small snack after. After my runs I'm typically not hungry for a couple hours, nor am I thirsty (but I make myself drink something at least)

edit: I have tried training without eating first in the morning- I get the same times on my runs, etc (a tiny slower) but noticed that the whole time I felt like I was slogging through mud/weighed more. The difficulty level is higher. On strength days this translates to not being able to go as long- I can only get about 2/3 of my workout done before I'm exhausted.

GetDemGainz

I only work out in the morning on weekends. But, I do eat some fruit before. Eat a small portion of fruit. You won't feel bloated and it should give you the energy you need to get through.

Onesnap

I eat yogurt or something like that before.

I eat dinner after.

erinnstreeter

Depends on how I feel. I let my body lead. If I'm hungry when I wake up, I eat something small, like half a serving of cereal and almond milk, or a quarter cup of kefir. That and some water are usually just enough to make my hunger pang go away. Then I exercise, and follow that with real breakfast, which is typically some permutation of protein and veggies.

In the afternoon/evening, I eat a snack around 4, get home around 5:30 and do my second workout. Sometimes I have another snack beforehand; again, this is when I'm feeling hungry. I'm usually done between 6:30-7:00, so I eat between 7-7:30.

Depending on my schedule, my eating pattern is typically something small every 2-2.5 hours. Some days I have to eat closer to a 3 meals a day with snacks pattern. Listening to my body makes a big difference - it knows what I need, and it responds best when I supply its needs accordingly.

miche_smash

If I don't eat a little something I definitely have NO energy. Usually a piece of toast or english muffin with peanut butter does the trick for me.

momxs2

I work out at 5AM and I have a 1/2 of a banana...if I'm hungry I eat the whole thing. I don't think I could do it on an "empty stomach" completely.

newcs

I do afternoon workouts now but when I was doing morning workouts, I had to walk a very fine line between too much food and not enough. I don't know how people workout on an empty stomach - I'm definitely the type that I would pass out (and almost have). But I also have to make sure I don't eat too much because then I just feel sick.

This is what I found worked for me: 4oz orange juice + 1/2 english muffin, toasted + 1T almond butter (with a little honey). The OJ got my sugar up quickly to give me a fast burst of energy and the english muffin with almond butter kept me going. That was for a hour-long bootcamp class so I might do a little less for a shorter workout but that was perfect for my 1hr. Then I'd eat the other half of the english muffin with some more almond butter and a banana when I was done.

cailinlowe

well, i survived it! i had a glass of OJ and half a piece of bread with peanut butter and that got me through :]

dunadan

I hear you about not having time in the morning to fix anything. I get up three days a week at 5:30am, and have everything pre-packed and in my car ready to go to the gym. I will leave a banana and a Nature Valley PB/Dark Chocolate protein bar in the car, and eat those on my way to the gym...no time for even toast. After working out, I'll have some protein powder, and when I get into work, will have some tea. That's worked out pretty well for me.