Probably a dumb question

Angela4Health
Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Okay so they say to eat an hour before you work out, right? Well, is that just so you won't get an upset stomach or does it take that long before your body is able to use the food you ate for energy? I ask because I can work out on a full stomach with no problem. I don't make a habit of doing so, but I can, it doesn't bother me. I want to eat a few carbs (half banana) before running though, and I'd like to eat it a half hour before, instead of an hour, but I'm wondering if that's long enough for my body to use the carbs for energy, or if I in fact do need to wait the full hour. Thanks :)

Replies

  • taso42_DELETED
    taso42_DELETED Posts: 3,394 Member
    For something like a banana, I eat it and just go (or wait maybe 15 minutes or so). For a full meal, I usually wait up to 1.5-2 hours. But if it doesn't hinder your workout, I wouldn't worry about it.
  • markymarrkk
    markymarrkk Posts: 495 Member
    That's a great question! I usually eat an hour before, sometimes even 15-30 minutes before if I'm gonna do a serious workout, and I start with weight training first.
  • Melis25Fit
    Melis25Fit Posts: 811 Member
    I would think just to do what's comfortable for you. If your tummy doesn't get upset, don't worry about an "official" time frame for food.
    Do what works for your body.
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    The reason I ask is because I want to make sure I'm actually using the carbs for energy otherwise it's pointless.
  • HisPathDaily
    HisPathDaily Posts: 672 Member
    You should wait 38 minutes and 27 seconds ... and don't forget to spin around in a circle before you start running! ;)

    I'm not a doctor, but I would simply say that you will learn to know your body best ... cravings aside, your body will tell you when and how often you need to eat before/after workouts ... seems like you know a lot of that already ... I wouldn't sweat trying to figure out a perfect formula ... exercise, eat right, and enjoy life! =)


    "If you see me collapse, pause my Garmin."

    ~Matt
  • mapexdrummer69
    mapexdrummer69 Posts: 445 Member
    Meal and nutrient timing are irrelevant in the the context of proper daily nutrition. No need to eat directly pre or post workout, unless you enjoy it or it's convenient for you.
  • K1Teacher
    K1Teacher Posts: 324 Member
    I was curious about this too. Here's agreat article that explains it well...

    http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportsnutrition/a/Carbohydrates.htm

    In short, a banana would be very quickly available for energy :smile:
  • jlewis2896
    jlewis2896 Posts: 763 Member
    It'll depend on the glycemic index of the carbs and how usable they are by your body. Something that is slower to break down, like old fashioned oatmeal will take 1 to 2 hours before the carbs are usable. Something like a banana doesn't take as long, so you'd probably be okay to wait 30 minutes or less.
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