What do you eat before a workout for energy?

Ellastrong
Ellastrong Posts: 64 Member
edited September 29 in Health and Weight Loss
Just wondering what would be the best foods to eat before I work out, that do not include caffeine. Thanks!!

Replies

  • SpaceMarkus
    SpaceMarkus Posts: 651
    I usually don't. I mix up some P90X Results and Recovery to drink during my workout and that gets me through!
  • rachmaree
    rachmaree Posts: 782 Member
    I sometimes eat half a banana smushed on a piece of whole wheat toast.
  • mommyJto3
    mommyJto3 Posts: 139 Member
    a piece of toast with a little bit of PB or a banana and a couple of almonds.
  • fastbelly
    fastbelly Posts: 727 Member
    Foods rich in carbs at least 1.5 hours before. Don't eat just before the workout.
  • Mike523
    Mike523 Posts: 393 Member
    I eat a banana about 30-40 minutes before I start. (I also have a small cup of coffee - I know you said no caffeine, but I have found that I push harder after the coffee...)
  • heatherstiara
    heatherstiara Posts: 11
    Banana is good to eat... It also helps you to not get cramps in your legs. :)
  • thompson000
    thompson000 Posts: 38
    I eat a herblife protein bar
  • lhanks89
    lhanks89 Posts: 90 Member
    I usually eat 2 1/2 - 3 hours before my workout so I don't feel so weighted down, and it's usually mostly carbohydrates and protein like a veggie burger with some pasta and pasta sauce all mixed together. If it's like right before a workout, in the 30 min - 1 hour range, then I'll grab a banana.
  • Pamela13
    Pamela13 Posts: 5
    I've had low bloodsugar my whole life so I must eat before I work out so I can make it through, and have enough energy too, and feel great afterwords.. I use beachbody, their product Shakeology! It is my favorite breakfast, as yeah call me weird, but I have never liked any breakfast foods!
  • babydull
    babydull Posts: 727 Member
    I eat a banana about 30-40 minutes before I start.
    Same for me. The potassium is supposed to help relax the muscles before too, so supposedly less aches. I also make sure I've drank enough water to avoid sweating ammonia.
  • editara13
    editara13 Posts: 384 Member
    I glass of milk
    50 grams of raw peanuts
    a cup of no sugar hot Nescafe
    and waterrrrrrrrrrrrrr :-)



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    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
  • maggieschuck
    maggieschuck Posts: 174
    What time of the day do you work out?

    If its first thing in the morning try a smoothie. Later in the day its what ever meal I'm having. I don't do any thing special for work out. I just make sure I eat 1-2 hrs before a work out so I don't get sick. If I have enough time in the am I'll have eggs or oatmeal. I hate going on an empty stomach. You'll run out of steam.
  • Barneystinson
    Barneystinson Posts: 1,357 Member
    I've always worked out in a purely fasted state in the morning regardless of what activity I'm doing. If I need energy, I drink black cold coffee.
  • Zen_Master_B
    Zen_Master_B Posts: 78
    For me it depends on the type of exercise but I almost always have a Peanut butter and Banana sandwich before a long duration of basketball. Call me old fashioned but I like carbs before a workout Oats,Wheat Pasta or Brown Rice.
  • BeckyKSmith
    BeckyKSmith Posts: 212 Member
    I have found that if I HAVE to eat that the only thing that wont bother me is a traditional Power Bar. They are like a giant laffy taffy of nutrition, but I don't burp them up, etc. My neighbor who I run with eats a half bagel with peanut butter....I tried it and burped up peanut butter for 5 miles.

    Try both and see what you think. I only eat a power bar if running 5+ miles. I don't need to eat if less than that. I think I have enough glycogen stores to make it more than that far :-P
  • BlessedandBeautifulBrown
    BlessedandBeautifulBrown Posts: 464 Member
    thanks... i needed that tip.. so love this site
  • Jenny56dreams
    Jenny56dreams Posts: 147 Member
    Protein shake or egg whites :smile:
  • Ellastrong
    Ellastrong Posts: 64 Member
    What time of the day do you work out?

    If its first thing in the morning try a smoothie. Later in the day its what ever meal I'm having. I don't do any thing special for work out. I just make sure I eat 1-2 hrs before a work out so I don't get sick. If I have enough time in the am I'll have eggs or oatmeal. I hate going on an empty stomach. You'll run out of steam.

    I usually work out in the morning, an hour or two after I wake up. Thanks for giving me ideas!
  • gothicprophet
    gothicprophet Posts: 189
    I've always worked out in a purely fasted state in the morning regardless of what activity I'm doing.
    I'm the same way. I figure it worked great while I was in Basic Training for the Army, and it still seems to be working out. :D
  • Ellastrong
    Ellastrong Posts: 64 Member
    Thanks for all the suggestions!! Appreciate it!
  • BradChappell
    BradChappell Posts: 2 Member
    I do not eat before my workouts due to the fact that I work out so early in the morning, but I do realize some people need to.
    That being said and to answer your question, try to eat something light and will digest fairly easy and fast. bananas are good and if you are doing a BeachBody Program, then I highly recommend Shakeology it really does help.

    Also, if you are doing P90X, I would make sure you eat at least 1 hour before and 2 hours before for the PlyoX and KenpoX days

    Brad
  • vetsnatural
    vetsnatural Posts: 186 Member
    I was told by a body builder/wrestler that it is best to get your workout in on an empty stomach and mornings!
  • veggiepug
    veggiepug Posts: 82
    If I workout in the morning I will usually eat a hard boiled egg, or a banana, or a greek yogurt. If I go into my workout on an empty stomach I will get very dizzy. I've noticed that I have a lot more energy and endurance if I have something small about an hour before the workout.
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