Exercise and Protein

smcolton
smcolton Posts: 78
edited September 27 in Food and Nutrition
The only time I have to exercise is first thing in the morning. I get up, get some water and jump on the treadmill. After 20 minutes I am about to die! My friends are telling me it is because I have not eaten and have no protein in my system. How does everyone do this? The thought of getting out of bed, eating an egg and running makes me nauseous! I have a hard enough time eating 1 hour after I get out of bed. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • staciekins
    staciekins Posts: 453 Member
    Try a protein shake :)
  • Buckeye_Jenn
    Buckeye_Jenn Posts: 48 Member
    Try a banana with a bit of peanut butter on it, or an English muffin with peanut butter. You could also have a handful of almonds, some Greek yogurt or even a protein drink just to get some fuel in your body. It should help!
  • smcolton
    smcolton Posts: 78
    I have never had a protien shake. Any suggestions on brands?
  • Shawna1080
    Shawna1080 Posts: 18 Member
    It may be that you are trying to go too fast too soon. I typically do the same... get out of bed, grab some water and get on the treadmill. When I first started however I thought I was going to die at 15 minutes. Now I can do an hour with no problems. Work it up slowly. As the workout starts to become easy then add more time or more speed. Good Luck!
  • warmachinejt
    warmachinejt Posts: 2,162 Member
    You need to fix this. You're probably eating too much at night the day before. Not eating breakfast is one big mistake in weight loss.
    Ok, I misread it. You can totally do cardio on an empty stomach, you will just be tired because of no food/sleep. I used to do that a long time ago and felt like i was going half as fast as when i exercised during the afternoon.
  • bitty1taz
    bitty1taz Posts: 309 Member
    Don't worry, I can't do much first thing in the morning eather.
    :smile:
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    Maybe you do need to eat first. I would say carbs though.. The carbs will give you the energy. Try greek yogurt as it will give you the carbs with the protein. Half a banana 30 minutes before you workout would be good too. I am having the same problem. I just recently started waking at 5am and by 510 I'm out the door on my morning run, and it's killer. I am starting to think I need to wake up earlier and give myself some time to have a small snack and wake up before I head out. Hope you find something that works for you.
  • makeupartist12
    makeupartist12 Posts: 75
    My dietician advised that a few carbs will help you get through a workout!!!......so like a small sandwich bag of dried cheerios you can eat on the way to the gym!!! Once you are done with your workout, you have the protein to help build those muscles you've just worked on!!!

    It helps me!!!!
  • rnroadrunner
    rnroadrunner Posts: 402 Member
    try something with carbs and protein 1/2 hr before then eat after and build up slowly your distance and time.
  • lloma87
    lloma87 Posts: 1
    The most of your protein should be taken AFTER a big effort. But before you need carbs. Carbs are the fuel for muscle and their responsible for energy. So I suggest high fiber carbs like oatmeal, multi-grain toasts, kashi cereals... with fruits and/or peanut butter. Fruits are high in sugar and give instant energy without making you feel eavy and incomfortable in your workout. After your workout you can have a high protein snack like reek yogurt, protein bar, even meat or fish...
  • Buckeye_Jenn
    Buckeye_Jenn Posts: 48 Member
    My favorite is Premier Nutrition. It's 30 g. of protein, 160 cals. and only 1 g. of sugar.
  • smcolton
    smcolton Posts: 78
    Thanks everyone!

    Carbs first and then protein. - Got it!

    I am going to try a banana on Monday and see how that goes.
  • mattbryan
    mattbryan Posts: 147
    Because of my work schedule, I have to be at the gym by 5, or I don't have time to complete what I need to do. My recommendation is to make sure you get a good night's rest, then have some Greek Yogurt and a glass of juice (or something equally as simple) as soon as you get up. My morning cardio routine is typically 50 mins, and it has given me the energy to get through it.
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    Thanks everyone!

    Carbs first and then protein. - Got it!

    I am going to try a banana on Monday and see how that goes.

    If you aren't used to eating before working out, start with half a banana and see how that sits with you. Some people get an upset stomach if they eat before working out, and others have no problem. Try half a banana first and see if you do fine with it, then eat a whole one next time if you want :)
  • smcolton
    smcolton Posts: 78
    Good idea. Thanks!
  • TrishMorrowPorter
    TrishMorrowPorter Posts: 1
    Try some Oxygenated water...helps a ton!
  • smcolton
    smcolton Posts: 78
    Never heard of it.
  • ppiinnkkmmoonn
    ppiinnkkmmoonn Posts: 418
    i never eat before i exercise but i do no when im well hydrated i have no problem exercising and i just figure this one out two weeks ago.
  • MisterDubs303
    MisterDubs303 Posts: 1,216 Member
    Try some carbs (OJ). And give it a little while before you exercise. Few things are going to feed your energy level if you consume it immediately before the 20 min. workout. You'll be done working out before it even has a chance to digest.
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