Eating Before a Work Out??

smashatoms
smashatoms Posts: 144 Member
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
So this is the way it was always broken down for me.
You do cardio on an empty stomach. You eat something high in protein before you move onto weights. Then, you do cardio intermittently throughout weight training to keep your heart rate up.
Makes enough sense.

So I'm curious ;) what is YOUR eating/working out plan?
I have my first work out with a personal trainer tonight at 6:15. I generally get home from work between 5:30 and 6:00. I don't really think I will have enough time to eat--- and SHOULD I eat? If so, WHAT should I eat?

(Normally, I work out in the morning and don't eat before going. I find this difficult to do at night-- so I'm just wanting some feedback about what types of food (or no food at all even) are good before a huge workout. I'd really like to start of on the right foot-- meaning I really don't want to barf.)

:laugh:

Replies

  • ConnieSG
    ConnieSG Posts: 376
    I know when my husband goes to his personal trainer at night, he usually eats something light like a bagel or some toast so he can have something in his stomach. He drinks his protein shake when he comes home and won't eat anything after that.

    Hope that helps!
  • jah7700
    jah7700 Posts: 276 Member
    I haven't gotten to the point of lifting weights or protein shakes so I'm not sure the best nutritional routine for that...

    However, when I work out in the morning (walking/jogging), I eat at least 15-30 mins before I go. If I go in the evening when I get home from work, I try to exercise first before dinner. I find my appetite is less after I workout than before. So it helps me stay on plan.
  • chubby_checkers
    chubby_checkers Posts: 2,352 Member
    my sister's trainer told her to eat some protein an hour before working out. i, personally, don't/can't eat anything. i wait until after and then have something light.
  • Drunkadelic
    Drunkadelic Posts: 948 Member
    If I need a burst of energy, I eat a handful of nuts. If you are hungry, eat something small. If you aren't, I wouldn't worry about it.
  • nicolemarie045
    nicolemarie045 Posts: 131 Member
    I always eat something small, like a slice of peanut butter toast or a granola bar, just because I am too hungry by that time to not eat something, and it helps me from getting too woozy while working out at night. I come home and eat dinner after that. Just what works for me :) If i don't eat anything, I tend to not feel well!
  • Fairysoul
    Fairysoul Posts: 1,361 Member
    I get up at 5 am, workout, and usually I am so busy with the kids I don't get to eat until around 7:30, I have lost 5 pounds in two weeks after a platou
  • Nerdy_Rose
    Nerdy_Rose Posts: 1,277 Member
    I can't work out on an empty stomach, I get weak and don't push myself hard in the workout (I elliptical like a wild animal).

    Usually, my pre-workout breakfast is an iced coffee and a banana. For hot yoga, coconut water and banana. The banana and coconut water help with weight lifting and hot yoga stamina because of the potassium. I get shaky without them.

    So, it all depends on how you feel. Try it both ways, see how it goes. I would think getting a little something in your stomach would help you work out, though.
  • lilchino4af
    lilchino4af Posts: 1,292 Member
    When I do cardio, I have to do it on an empty stomach, otherwise I feel sick. If I'm doing weights, I'll eat a banana or toast, just to get something light in my stomach. Regardless, I generally followup my morning workouts with chocolate milk or a protein smoothie (protein powder, mixed fruit or berries, milk or OJ, and yogurt) as I don't have much appetite for more and I'm good until lunch. If I workout after work, I definitely do it before dinner and it helps me not eat as much :)
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I eat my normal meals and snacks throughout the day, and don't fuss too much about when I eat what. I stay within my calorie range and try to get over 100g of protein, but that's all I care about.

    My body looks the way I want it to look, more or less (it's not like eating right is going to change the things I would want changed -- I'm not going to suddenly develop a longer torso!), and performs the way I want it to (I'm running way better than I ever thought possible). Can't ask for anything more than that!

    If I didn't eat breakfast before exercise, I'd keel over. Maybe if I was doing 20 minutes of moderate cardio at home, I'd be ok, but I don't want to hit a wall when I'm five miles from home!
  • smashatoms
    smashatoms Posts: 144 Member
    Thanks guys, this helps a lot!
  • dietpop
    dietpop Posts: 37 Member
    I usually eat oatmeal and a little protein, like a piece of deli meat, before Bootcamp. I need the fuel.

    Also, Bootcamp is easier when I drink a little caffeine beforehand.
  • mandy_lynn
    mandy_lynn Posts: 165 Member
    I drink my 2 cups of coffee in the morning and I eat a banana on my way to my run or the gym. After I eat something protein.
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