what to eat before 5:45 am workout ?

There are so many answers to this it seems, I usually have an English muffin and 1 tbsp of coconut oil on it. Then I read train on an empty stomach, what do you do ? I don't want to end up with my body munching down what little muscle I have. But with 30 lbs to lose could that even happen ? Thanks.

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I start at 5am and workout on an empty stomach. Other than water, I don't have anything until my workout is done. By then my kid is up for school, and I usually have a glass of chocolate milk, get her ready, drop her off and then eat breakfast when I get back. Been working great for me.

    I've read arguments for both eating and not eating before workouts, but really I think it's whatever works best for you. Many people have success either way. Personally, there's no way I'm getting up any earlier than 4:45 just so I can eat something and let it settle a bit before I start, so the empty stomach works great for me. Of course my workout is usually 45-50 minutes at the most, so if you're doing something longer, you might need the fuel.
  • alexveksler
    alexveksler Posts: 409 Member
    Awfully early :) What type of workout? Cardio, muscle training? I would imagine whatever it is, need to hydrate. I would definitely do a 8OZ ov fresh squeezed veggie juice with a spoon of flax meal mixed in it?
  • iggyboo93
    iggyboo93 Posts: 524 Member
    Back when I actually got up in time to do an AM workout, I ate a small piece of cheese, turkey or a few bites of cottage cheese. I was told by the manager at GNC to try and eat a protein within 30 minutes of a workout and within 30 minutes following a workout. I would make a protein smoothie after the workout - it was so rewarding. Note to self - get back on that wagon....
  • cappri
    cappri Posts: 1,089 Member
    I have to eat before I workout. In the past I had a latte- 4 oz espresso 1/2 cup 2% milk, and a banana, about 30 to 45 minutes before 6 am yoga. Now that I've been concentrating on getting more protein I have a smoothie with 2 cups spinach, 1 orange, 1 banana, water and a scoop of vanilla protein powder prior to leaving for yoga.
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    Thanks for the quick replies ! Lifting 3can week, cardio, trampoline 2 times/week.
  • dnish53
    dnish53 Posts: 162 Member
    I use to never eat before my early morning workouts (5 or 5:30) and always liked it. Recently though I just didn't feel like I was getting the most out of workouts anymore so I have been drinking 4-8 oz of a green protein smoothie. Wow what a difference it has made the last 3 weeks. I make up the smoothie ahead of time so all I have to do is pour it into a glass each morning.
  • stephaniemejia1671
    stephaniemejia1671 Posts: 482 Member
    Water and greek yogurt should be good. You don't really want to eat anything heavy at that hour. That's just how I feel.
  • jehavin
    jehavin Posts: 316 Member
    I do a "skinny" pbj---full scoop of pb and half scoop of jelly on one piece of bread. 250 cals with a little bit of protein and a few carbs---perfect to get me through the workout without feeling nauseous/shaky without messing up my numbers for the day.
  • FitterNurse2013
    FitterNurse2013 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi! Something quick and nutritious is what you need. Try a fast digesting carb such as a banana To make it complete have 1 piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter on it and a drizzles of honey. I love it with the slices of banana on it. This will give you protein, whole grains, carbs and a boost of energy! Try it! Let me know. :smile:
  • i workout at 5 30 am and find i cant eat before this time. i agree a quick protein shake would be a good idea to get some energy down easily :)
  • I eat a banana before and have a protein shake after.
  • DarrelBirkett
    DarrelBirkett Posts: 221 Member
    I work at 6.30am

    Cardio days I have nothing, so do it fasted.
    Weights days I have 10g BCAA and 25g protein (shake) before and 25g protein + banana afterwards.
  • PJ_73
    PJ_73 Posts: 331 Member
    Cardio or strength, I grab a fresh coffee before I leave and plenty of water. Works for me at that time of day!
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
    Train fasted.

    Don't train fasted.

    It really makes very little difference.

    Just make sure you get adequate macro intake at the end of the day.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Base it off personal preference and gym performance.
  • tandtam
    tandtam Posts: 8 Member
    I usually do a protein shake 30 minutes before work out. gives energy and stops hungry stomach all at once
  • theshow4jsu
    theshow4jsu Posts: 380 Member
    I do cardio early, around 4:00am, if its a long run, i.e. 3+ miles, I will usually eat a single serving cup of applesauce... for the simple carbs. I found that if I did the long runs on an empty stomach, I would get really woozy and almost pass out..
  • AlanTuring
    AlanTuring Posts: 159
    I have to add to the banana lovers in this thread. If I'm feeling particularly indulgent, I'll measure out a tablespoon of peanut butter and put it on the banana. Or just eat the peanut butter, if I don't have any bananas around.

    Most of my working out is still running, and I get pretty nauseous around mile 2 if I haven't got something to eat beforehand.
  • Graham_077
    Graham_077 Posts: 67 Member
    Nowadays I only do one early morning workout a week. (6.30am spin class). I take about 20g of protein and a cup of tea about 30 mins before. I personally don’t have the energy to do fasted training. But a lot is down to personal preference. Just don’t starve yourself for too long after a workout.
  • skinnyinnotime
    skinnyinnotime Posts: 4,078 Member
    Do what is right for you. I cannot workout on an empty stomach, I feel dizzy, sick and have no energy.
  • tommygirl15
    tommygirl15 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Suggestions vary because the same thing doesn't work for every single person. Some can go without eating, others can't stand to. You have to experiment what works best for you personally. I drink coffee before my workout for the caffeine boost, and then I eat my breakfast post-workout.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,658 Member
    There are so many answers to this it seems, I usually have an English muffin and 1 tbsp of coconut oil on it. Then I read train on an empty stomach, what do you do ? I don't want to end up with my body munching down what little muscle I have. But with 30 lbs to lose could that even happen ? Thanks.

    Bananas are excellent, oranges are good.
  • mydeloo78
    mydeloo78 Posts: 328 Member
    I workout at 5:30/6am most days. I usually will do some energy chews so I'm not completely empty. My nutritionist recommended 6oz orange juice but it upsets my stomach. It really is about what works for you.