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Breakfast before or after?

Discogirl15
Discogirl15 Posts: 102
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Quick question, should I eat breakfast before or after I do 30 minutesof cardio (Brisk walking) and about 20 minutes of strength trianing in the morning? Are there any benifits to exercising on a empty stomach, or a full on? I usually just have cereal for breakfast. Thanks!!

Replies

  • Discogirl15
    Discogirl15 Posts: 102
    Bump
  • nixism
    nixism Posts: 258 Member
    I walk briskly most mornings then eat brekky about 30mins after that. I find it works for me.
    Perhaps if you are worried about the energy levels for strength training - a banana or yoghurt or shake as a "first brekky", then have something more substantial afterwards?
  • halobender
    halobender Posts: 780 Member
    Hm. I couldn't say as to whether there are any benefits or anything, but I prefer to workout on an empty stomach simply because I don't like to feel food jostling around in my belly as I do cardio.

    I also feel a bit more sluggish if I eat first. That's my two cents.
  • Discogirl15
    Discogirl15 Posts: 102
    I walk briskly most mornings then eat brekky about 30mins after that. I find it works for me.
    Perhaps if you are worried about the energy levels for strength training - a banana or yoghurt or shake as a "first brekky", then have something more substantial afterwards?

    So, I could eat a banana after my cardio but before my strength training, and than eat cereal after my strength training?
  • crisanderson27
    crisanderson27 Posts: 5,343 Member
    It doesn't really matter if you're doing it in the morning.

    I lift heavy...and do it on an empty stomach (not having had any food since dinner the night before), around 3pm. At any time within about 48hrs of a solid meal...you have plenty of glycogen stored in your muscles to strength train whether you've eaten again or not. Any limit you might feel, is 100% mental.
  • xxvogue
    xxvogue Posts: 172 Member
    I think most people eat after. I did when I worked out in the morning, but I'd grab a quick snack in the morning before heading out. I used to eat cheese, so one of those babybell things were good.. I've discovered I can work out harder without something in my stomach.
  • run17
    run17 Posts: 27
    I have always been told and follow the rule: goods carbs before a workout- example: oatmeal with fruit or a mini-wheat bagel with peanut butter or a wasa cracker with laughing cow light cheese and veggies

    after workout: try to get in some protein: greek yogurt with nuts, a smoothie with whey protein you can add fruits or veggies: a carb balance tortilla with chicken and lowfat cheese or a spinach salad with grilled chicken and low-fat blue cheese

    The trainer at my gym: always reminds us that protein is harder to break down so eat it post work-out. I always get a better workout if I eat a light "good" carb meal about 30-60 minutes before I excercise. Then I eat a normal protein packed lunch.
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