swimmers: breakfast or no?

missikay1970
missikay1970 Posts: 588 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I was running but I injured my ankle so I started swimming for exercise instead. (love it, by the by!!!)
i just wondered if anyone who is a swimmer eats before your swim? (assuming you swim in the mornings)
i ate breakfast beforehand every day this week but i felt very heavy. not sure if i "need" to eat before to give me energy, or if it's best to wait until after swim to eat. thanks for advice.

Replies

  • kennie2
    kennie2 Posts: 1,170 Member
    i started swimming because i messed up my knee (and sauna!!) But i normally go in the evenings. i cant go without dinner! but thats normally an hour before hand. try having something light like one of those lara/nakd bars maybe? or some dates or other dried fruit. they give you energy fast but arent too much
  • jamiek917
    jamiek917 Posts: 610 Member
    yep- id always have something, even something like like a granola bar or a banana- to give me some extra fuel. plus, i hate feeling really hungry when i work out- it makes me want to cut my workout short.
  • savlyon
    savlyon Posts: 474 Member
    It's been awhile since I swam in the mornings, but I would eat something light-like a banana or bar of some sort. After swimming I'm usually famished, so that's a great time for a nice breakfast!
  • swimcoach07
    swimcoach07 Posts: 31 Member
    I swam competitively for many years and now coach.

    I don't have my swimmers eat before morning practice and never ate in the morning myself.
    When I swim now it's normally in the afternoon, but not always, and I still don't eat before.

    It's for exactly the reason you mention, you feel heavy. It's more difficult to flip turn, sprint, ect. on a full stomach. I would try going without eating and seeing how your workout goes.

    If you feel like you don't have enough energy to get you through your workout, something small and easy to digest would be what I'd try next (ie: banana).

    Good luck! Glad to see another swimmer!
  • missikay1970
    missikay1970 Posts: 588 Member
    everyone seems to be on the same page. :)
    thanks so much
  • erinn43
    erinn43 Posts: 20 Member
    I swim twice a week- sometimes three. Lately- I have NOT been eating beforehand. I do though- have a coffee. I bring water to the pool deck and after sets- I swim a 500 to warm up, I will swig some water. Its been working for me. I typically swim 1000-2000 yards a session.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    I was running but I injured my ankle so I started swimming for exercise instead. (love it, by the by!!!)
    i just wondered if anyone who is a swimmer eats before your swim? (assuming you swim in the mornings)
    i ate breakfast beforehand every day this week but i felt very heavy. not sure if i "need" to eat before to give me energy, or if it's best to wait until after swim to eat. thanks for advice.

    I don't... I generally have enough in the tank from the day before.

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