What should I eat before I exercise?

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maryhm1
maryhm1 Posts: 56 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
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!

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  • koneil83
    koneil83 Posts: 82 Member
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    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
    just4nessa Posts: 459 Member
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    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
    maryhm1 Posts: 56 Member
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    So is everyone just having a carby kinda breakfast then before exercising?
  • dsmpunk
    dsmpunk Posts: 262 Member
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    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
    morgynsmama Posts: 83
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    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
    PennStateChick Posts: 327 Member
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    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
    envy09 Posts: 353 Member
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    Anything with complex carbohydrates and/or protein. Usually a whole wheat muffin (63cals) or some cottage cheese.
  • dwh77tx
    dwh77tx Posts: 513 Member
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    I work out in the am and my breakfast is egg whites, tilapia, PB2, and something hot to drink.
  • maberdine
    maberdine Posts: 8 Member
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    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
    passmetheducksauce Posts: 211 Member
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    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
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
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    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
    Easywider Posts: 434 Member
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    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
    Sallybirdena Posts: 4
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    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
    vmekash Posts: 422 Member
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    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
    FloridaPops Posts: 16
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    Anything with carbs, I've done plain oatmeal an hour prior to....helps.

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