Pre/Post Workout Nutrition

I eat nothing before. Some people do, I like to work out on an empty stomach. I hear your body burns fat 20 minutes into a good work-out. I don't know if that's true, but it's what I do, and it seems to be working. I do a form of circut training, run, walk, aerobics, and stair stepper. I'm down 89lbs. in 5 years and feel great! Good luck- Chris.

I eat a banana before I work than my breakfast. They say that you burn more when you eat before a workout. I am down 36 pounds in 5 months.

I don't like the feeling of working out when I'm full, and also I find it hard to tighten my abs when doing a core workout or any type of situps.

Sometimes if I know I'm doing a long workout, I'll have a banana with a little peanut butter about 30 minutes ahead of time, but mostly I like to work out on an empty stomach.

That being said, I'm usually ravenous when I'm done, so I try to have something ready for when I get home from the gym. It's usually a "bucket salad" made from whatever veggies are in the fridge, and some chicken or tuna thrown in. Another favorite is "veggie delight" -- about half a bag of any frozen veggies mixed with a veggie burger and microwaved for 5 min or so.

I need a small comples carbs snack before I work out such as a little cereal, or even if thats not possible a 100 calorie pack of SOMETHING. Afterwards PROTIEN to feed those muscles. A low cal shake is always good. such as muscle milk lite thisa helps prevent cramps as well as feed your hard worked muscles. but working out on an empty stomach makes me sick and if I dont eat within an hr after I feel sick also. Its my body telling me you did me good now I need some food darn it!!!! just dont go overkill

It's important that you eat SOMETHING before you work out. I didn't before a strenuous (sp??) workout like a year and a half ago and then passed out in the middle of the gym.

I was talking about this earlier today. Still embarassed..... :blushing:

I usually have some type of protein bar in me before I go. Watch which ones you grab, because alot of them are high in calories. I usually try to have something with peanut butter in it. And that sticks with me through the workout. I usually don't feel full, so no problems doing situps. And then I'm not starving after a workout. If I was starving, I'm afraid I'd make bad decisions using the ever popular logic of "oh, I just worked out, I can eat something naughty!"

I've tried not eating before a work out and it was a BIG mistake... I totally hit the wall and ran out of energy. On the advice of a friend, I know generally have yogourt and fruit before a workout - about an hour ahead and it works well.

I have always figured that you have put fuel in the engine in order to make it work. But for a long time I had the dilemma of wanting the fuel, but not wanting a full tummy.

I finally found something that really has made a difference. I have a low calorie, low carb, protein shake about 30 minutes before I exercise. Be sure that it is a good quality, easily digestible protein so that you do not get a bloated feeling. Then, about 10 minutes before I workout, I have a drink that is a mix of vitamins and amino acids (L-arginine is good for recovery) and a bit of creatine. I drink an electrolyte replacement drink (watch out for sugar and sodium) througout to stay hydrated so my muscles won't fatigue and cramp, and then after have a protein recovery shake to minimize soreness and nourish muscles.

It may sound like alot, but really I was having a snack prior anyway, and bars can be heavy on my stomach. Then I keep a water bottle with me and am usually wanting a snack afterward. I workout in the morning, so that is pretty much what I have for breakfast.