Energy for early morning workouts

RoyalMoose11
RoyalMoose11 Posts: 211 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all,
I like to work out right when I wake up. Usually wake up, use the bathroom, and get going. Lately I've lacked some energy in the mornings and figured I should eat something before working out. I'm wondering what folks do for eating before working out since I tend to never do so. Thanks

Replies

  • bethcw1
    bethcw1 Posts: 24 Member
    I usually have a glass of water and some fruit - raspberries or a small plum or a kiwi. it seems to be enough that I get some energy, but not so much that I have full or upset tummy while working out.
  • choijanro
    choijanro Posts: 754 Member
    Eat some foods rich in Vitamin C and Carbohydrates to give you the power & energy you needed in your workout
  • athenasurrenders
    athenasurrenders Posts: 278 Member
    I struggle with this because I run early in the morning and if I eat first I get stomach pains. Lately I've been eating a home-made ice lolly (avocado and lime) to give me a small boost without hurting my stomach, but it still means getting up earlier instead of just putting the trainers on and getting out.

    Could you perhaps prep some fruits and yoghurt the night before and whizz it in the blender in the morning?
  • Meggles63
    Meggles63 Posts: 916 Member
    COFFEE! That.is.all. Seriously, though, try some of the suggestions and see if it helps!
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Coffee, or pre-work out mix (N.O. xplode, etc...)

    I have a shot of N.O. and a chew of some sort.
  • JusticeGirl25
    JusticeGirl25 Posts: 703 Member
    Splashing your face with cold water should wake you up. That's what I do when I'm REALLY dragging in the morning and I like to work out early in the morning as well.
  • RoyalMoose11
    RoyalMoose11 Posts: 211 Member
    Thanks everyone. The energy/boost is less psychological and more physical. I'm willing, have the drive, and ready for my workout but then when doing it I just don't have the energy and feel like I'm not getting the most out of it.

    I also have some steel cut oats that I can use but I think that'd be better for post-workout. Might be too heavy for me before doing Insanity or before running.
  • micheleb15
    micheleb15 Posts: 1,418 Member
    I workout at 6am and only eat a banana before my workout. I hate eating first thing but I need some fuel.
  • Zakiya05
    Zakiya05 Posts: 36 Member
    I workout early in the morning too. I am by no means an expert, but what I normally do is have a late night (8:30pm-9pm) banana and a glass of water and take my vitamins (multi, msm, coq10, fish oil, hair skin, D- yeah I know I take a lot of vitamins, I have an Andrew Lessman vitamin obsession) at night. Now I have no clue if the effects last until the morning (5:15am Insanity). But I noticed when I do this I have much more energy during the workouts versus if I just go to bed and making dinner (6pm) my last meal. Also I pray/meditate/reflect in the morning a few minutes before the workout (i know you said it's not mental, but sometimes it is with me).
  • jjcrunk
    jjcrunk Posts: 1
    Ran into the same issue with my early morning workouts and started getting one slice of whole grain bread and putting one tablespoon of peanut butter on bread then adding 10 raw almonds and folding and eating. Really helped.
  • MrsSWW
    MrsSWW Posts: 1,585 Member
    Coffee for me.
  • Leigh_b
    Leigh_b Posts: 576 Member
    If I'm running for more than 45 minutes I'll eat a clif bar before heading out the door. I like the white chocolate macadamia nut the best :smile:
  • GaJavaGirl
    GaJavaGirl Posts: 25
    I either eat two graham crackers or two FRS Energy Chews and drink a cup of ice water. I tried 1/2 cup applesauce, but that was NOT a good idea -- hurt my stomach.
  • Markguns
    Markguns Posts: 554 Member
    oatmeal and fruit or blackstrap molasses. Fruit n molasses for quick energy /vitamins, oatmeal sustained energy. :bigsmile:
  • elainecroft
    elainecroft Posts: 595 Member
    I like bananas. Or cheese sticks - not a lot of carbs, but easy to eat.
  • driley9330
    driley9330 Posts: 28 Member
    Try these products! They have always worked for me!
    ~BSN® N.O.-XPLODE™ 2.0 - Grape (10/10)
    * Bubbles and the taste is awful, but this is my favorite pre-workout drink for sure. Good fat burner and energy booster.
    ~Cellucor® C4™ Extreme - Blue Raspberry (10/10)
    * Great pre-workout drink. Gives lots of energy! Taste is good.
  • rose228822
    rose228822 Posts: 186 Member
    Hi Chris,
    I have a cup of coffee and sometimes will have a banana or string cheese before I work out but nothing too big...I'm hungrier after my workout...I get up about 5:00 and get to the gym by 5:30 and besides what I mentioned I drink water at least 20 minutes before working out and I feel more energized.
    I also have been taking Super C with water and it has natural caffeine and sugar free and it boosts my energy level during the day and taste good:smile:
  • Nishi2013
    Nishi2013 Posts: 210 Member
    A good nights sleep

    Water with metamucil or lemon juice and honey

    Spoonful of peanut butter

    Double espresso.
  • JayWalk39
    JayWalk39 Posts: 68 Member
    I wake-up at 5:00am and am usually working out by 5:20am.

    1 scoop of HyperFX...and sometime a 1/2 scoop of Gold Standard Whey
  • IronPhyllida
    IronPhyllida Posts: 533 Member
    Huge cup of coffee and scrambled eggs (2 eggs) and a medium sized tomato. Or a slice of Smoked Salmon. Changed recently from toast and Nutella, making a difference and i dont feel hungry.
    oh and as per Nishi2013 said, at least 6 hrs sleep.
  • jenjen0703
    jenjen0703 Posts: 1
    I've really learned a lot about eating greens (spinach, kale, collards, etc.) and read about Green Smoothies. I've had weight loss success off fruit smoothies, but it's too much sugar all at once. Since I started drinking Green Smoothies (perfect, cuz I've never been a breakfast eater), I have been craving more and more greens. I have a ton of energy from them. And, did you know the body can hold multiple undigested meals in the large intestines at one time? Yeah, gross...drinking Green Smoothies will take care of that quickly and keep you regular. Also, if you're feeling really adventurous, try adding 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds to your daily diet...boosts your energy even more. :)
  • silverinc13
    silverinc13 Posts: 216 Member
    I eat my full breakfast - either greek yogurt with berries and granola or whole wheat toast with peanut butter and raspberries and hit the gym. But I have a 20 min walk with my dogs and the 15 min drive to the gym to space it out and let a little digestion happen :)
  • RoyalMoose11
    RoyalMoose11 Posts: 211 Member
    My standard post-workout/shower meal is an egg, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese sandwich on a bagel thin with an espresso, banana, and more water. I love the idea of drinking something for the energy. I typically can't eat a big meal in the morning (let alone pre-workout) but I love all this feedback.

    I do have a juicer and used to make Mean Greens but sometimes I felt like it was a lot of work/cleaning for one drink so smoothies might be better with just one piece to wash. I'm looking to get more fiber in my system so that might be another benefit. Make/drink a smoothie while getting dressed for the work out might be a good plan but it's nice to read so many options.
  • dmendez0827
    dmendez0827 Posts: 2
    I work out at 5:30 am and sometimes I have a Flat Belly Smoothie before and I always feel like I can run faster, longer and am craving the weight machines.
  • Erica_theRedhead
    Erica_theRedhead Posts: 724 Member
    Usually just some coffee. I will also have my slice of 7-grain bread with peanut butter if I'm going for my long run.

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