Eating Before and After a Workout

UnleashingLovely
UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
in Fitness and Exercise
i know you have all seen this post time and time again... And I'm sorry for asking again, but why not some fresh ideas?
I will start working out first thing in the morning starting in about a week...
So what should I eat before and after? Before/after cardio? Before/after lifting?
What do you eat?
:smile:

Replies

  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    No one?):
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Pre and post workout meal timing have no affect on body composition. That being said, it's all about how you feel when you work out. Some people feel best when they workout on an empty stomach, others nearly pass out if they work out fasted. In regards to post workout, don't worry about drinking a protein shake within 30 minutes like some people might tell you. That is unnecessary, just go home and eat a regular meal after you work out when you have the time.

    As for me, I eat a big 1000 calorie lunch around noon, and I work out at 4:00 and have a big 1000 calorie dinner right after. I only eat 2 big meals a day, no snacks, and it works perfectly for me, you just gotta find what works best for you.
  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    Pre and post workout meal timing have no affect on body composition. That being said, it's all about how you feel when you work out. Some people feel best when they workout on an empty stomach, others nearly pass out if they work out fasted. In regards to post workout, don't worry about drinking a protein shake within 30 minutes like some people might tell you. That is unnecessary, just go home and eat a regular meal after you work out when you have the time.

    As for me, I eat a big 1000 calorie lunch around noon, and I work out at 4:00 and have a big 1000 calorie dinner right after. I only eat 2 big meals a day, no snacks, and it works perfectly for me, you just gotta find what works best for you.

    I'm one of those people that need food.
    For real. Haha.
  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    I workout at 5am. Unless I'm absolutely ravenous or feeling weak, I don't eat before. After, I eat a normal breakfast, anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours after.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    I tend to eat a carb-ish snack before working out and something heavier and protein related after. My workouts are not as intense as some, but I do find that this works for me.
  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    I tend to eat a carb-ish snack before working out and something heavier and protein related after. My workouts are not as intense as some, but I do find that this works for me.

    Like what snacks?
  • smb33495
    smb33495 Posts: 1 Member
    I like to eat a lighter, protein based snack before I work out (like nuts, a hard boiled egg, Greek yogurt, or a few slices of cheese) or something with complex carbs (e.g. a multigrain bagel with a dab of butter or hummus). Then I bring a protein bar (Larabar) for during. Afterwards, I mix whey protein powder with 1.5 cups of 2% milk and drink that with whatever meal I have (which varies a lot). A few hours later I drink 2 TBSP of tart cherry concentrate mixed with 6 oz of water (helps with muscle soreness and joint pain).

    Unlike the previous poster, smaller meals with snacks in between help me get through the day/workout.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I don't eat before my workout because I find it doesn't sit well with me if I do. I usually eat my breakfast or dinner AFTER I workout (depending on what time of day I do it).
  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    I like to eat a lighter, protein based snack before I work out (like nuts, a hard boiled egg, Greek yogurt, or a few slices of cheese) or something with complex carbs (e.g. a multigrain bagel with a dab of butter or hummus). Then I bring a protein bar (Larabar) for during. Afterwards, I mix whey protein powder with 1.5 cups of 2% milk and drink that with whatever meal I have (which varies a lot). A few hours later I drink 2 TBSP of tart cherry concentrate mixed with 6 oz of water (helps with muscle soreness and joint pain).

    Unlike the previous poster, smaller meals with snacks in between help me get through the day/workout.

    I'll have to try that tart cherry concentrate... I have a lot of joint problems.
    But this was really helpful. Thanks!
  • Krista916
    Krista916 Posts: 258
    I work out at 4:30am and don't eat before. Too early for me and no one likes to barf on leg day.
  • dedication6
    dedication6 Posts: 184 Member
    I workout at 5am. Unless I'm absolutely ravenous or feeling weak, I don't eat before. After, I eat a normal breakfast, anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours after.

    exactly this for me too
  • _Resolve_
    _Resolve_ Posts: 735 Member
    I have Oatmeal before I go and a greek yogurt/banana/strawberry smoothie after.
  • rmhand
    rmhand Posts: 1,067 Member
    I'll have to try that tart cherry concentrate... I have a lot of joint problems.
    But this was really helpful. Thanks!

    I have bursitis and magnesium glycinate and glucosamine help me a lot. I also feel a paleo/primal based diet has an effect on reducing inflammation in general and reducing my joint pain. If you interested feel free to friend or message me.
  • shirleygirl910
    shirleygirl910 Posts: 503 Member
    I have to eat before I work out or I don't have the energy, but it has to be very light so it doesn't sit like a rock in my stomach. Your don't want all your energy going to digest your food instead of your work out. Then after I eat a full meal with carbs, protein and fat.
  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    I have to eat before I work out or I don't have the energy, but it has to be very light so it doesn't sit like a rock in my stomach. Your don't want all your energy going to digest your food instead of your work out. Then after I eat a full meal with carbs, protein and fat.
    Can you give me an example of what you eat before?
  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    I work out at 4:30am and don't eat before. Too early for me and no one likes to barf on leg day.

    :laugh: Good point
  • tquill
    tquill Posts: 300 Member
    Pre and post workout meal timing have no affect on body composition. That being said, it's all about how you feel when you work out. Some people feel best when they workout on an empty stomach, others nearly pass out if they work out fasted. In regards to post workout, don't worry about drinking a protein shake within 30 minutes like some people might tell you. That is unnecessary, just go home and eat a regular meal after you work out when you have the time.

    As for me, I eat a big 1000 calorie lunch around noon, and I work out at 4:00 and have a big 1000 calorie dinner right after. I only eat 2 big meals a day, no snacks, and it works perfectly for me, you just gotta find what works best for you.

    I'm no expert, but Layne Norton claims otherwise.

    According to him, pre and post workout meals should contain a large portion of your daily carbs to prevent muscle loss.

    http://www.simplyshredded.com/layne-norton-the-most-effective-cutting-diet.html
  • TheBoev
    TheBoev Posts: 58 Member
    I'm working with a sports nutritionist. He says when working out first thing in the morning you HAVE to have something in the tank to start your metabolic "engine" on or instead of burning fat, you will burn lean muscle mass as it's easier for the body to use. He has me do one scoop of protein powder with 5 oz or WATER before I get to the gym. I get sick on anything else. The water filters through your system quickly (so it doesn't slosh around) and your engine starts with the protein so your body's metabolism is already running consequently burning fat instead of muscle. I then right afterwards drink a full 8oz of water and another scoop of protein as I drive home. I eat breakfast a while later (about an hour) and that is a protein/carb combo as well.
    My two cents worth.
  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    I'm working with a sports nutritionist. He says when working out first thing in the morning you HAVE to have something in the tank to start your metabolic "engine" on or instead of burning fat, you will burn lean muscle mass as it's easier for the body to use. He has me do one scoop of protein powder with 5 oz or WATER before I get to the gym. I get sick on anything else. The water filters through your system quickly (so it doesn't slosh around) and your engine starts with the protein so your body's metabolism is already running consequently burning fat instead of muscle. I then right afterwards drink a full 8oz of water and another scoop of protein as I drive home. I eat breakfast a while later (about an hour) and that is a protein/carb combo as well.
    My two cents worth.
    What protein powder do you use?
    Mine tastes terrible in water and it's a little thick anyway for mornings.

    *Edit for typo
  • TheBoev
    TheBoev Posts: 58 Member
    I either use Gold Standard Whey or MaxPro (from Max Muscle store). It isn't like drinking a milkshake but they do taste good in water. Hey, a squirt of Hershey's syrup sometimes works wonders in there, some days I add PB2 or Coconut oil. Anything to jazz it up.
  • Chelz2013
    Chelz2013 Posts: 176 Member
    On the days I take a morning class or I do strength training, I don't generally eat first because I don't have time, but I come home and immediately either make a protein smoothie or eggs.
    Smoothie with whey protein, vanilla soy milk, frozen fruit (cherries & strawberries or frozen banana with 1-2 T peanut butter) and I toss in a little flaxseed... OR...
    quick egg scramble with liquid egg whites & turkey ham with a slice of cheese.
    --->going with the idea of protein after my work out
    If I'm on the run, I drink a vanilla protein milk I found at Safeway (our grocery store) or a Muscle Milk (cookies & cream is good & bc my gym sells it) or a protein bar (I like the Power Crunch French Vanilla).

    On the days where I take an evening Zumba class, I try to eat at least 90 minutes before (works best for me, otherwise, I still feel too full at the start of class)... I eat some carbs, like a baked potato with salsa or sweet potato in the microwave with butter & honey. Then have a good dinner after class with protein & veggies.

    That's just what's working for me at the moment. It's always good to eat breakfast, and I have had a banana or a piece of toast before the gym, it just depends on if I have time or not. I can't eat too heavy before a class. I always drink a ton of water while I work out.
  • UnleashingLovely
    UnleashingLovely Posts: 205
    On the days I take a morning class or I do strength training, I don't generally eat first because I don't have time, but I come home and immediately either make a protein smoothie or eggs.
    Smoothie with whey protein, vanilla soy milk, frozen fruit (cherries & strawberries or frozen banana with 1-2 T peanut butter) and I toss in a little flaxseed... OR...
    quick egg scramble with liquid egg whites & turkey ham with a slice of cheese.
    --->going with the idea of protein after my work out
    If I'm on the run, I drink a vanilla protein milk I found at Safeway (our grocery store) or a Muscle Milk (cookies & cream is good & bc my gym sells it) or a protein bar (I like the Power Crunch French Vanilla).

    On the days where I take an evening Zumba class, I try to eat at least 90 minutes before (works best for me, otherwise, I still feel too full at the start of class)... I eat some carbs, like a baked potato with salsa or sweet potato in the microwave with butter & honey. Then have a good dinner after class with protein & veggies.

    That's just what's working for me at the moment. It's always good to eat breakfast, and I have had a banana or a piece of toast before the gym, it just depends on if I have time or not. I can't eat too heavy before a class. I always drink a ton of water while I work out.

    Really helpful! Thank you(:
  • rochey_1
    rochey_1 Posts: 37
    I don't eat before a workout, I can't, my workouts are in the morning and i just don't have the appetite, but after a workout i have a bowl of cereal sprinkled with some raisins and milk and plenty of water and I'm fine till lunch.
  • BonaFideUK
    BonaFideUK Posts: 313 Member
    I'm working with a sports nutritionist. He says when working out first thing in the morning you HAVE to have something in the tank to start your metabolic "engine" on or instead of burning fat, you will burn lean muscle mass as it's easier for the body to use. He has me do one scoop of protein powder with 5 oz or WATER before I get to the gym. I get sick on anything else. The water filters through your system quickly (so it doesn't slosh around) and your engine starts with the protein so your body's metabolism is already running consequently burning fat instead of muscle. I then right afterwards drink a full 8oz of water and another scoop of protein as I drive home. I eat breakfast a while later (about an hour) and that is a protein/carb combo as well.
    My two cents worth.

    sorry but your sports nutritionist is an idiot.

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