early morning workout...eat before or after?

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Replies

  • ActiveGuy81
    ActiveGuy81 Posts: 705 Member
    It depends on the work out for me. I usually eat a banana or apple maybe some peanut butter. But would wait for an actual breakfast until after the workout.
  • GrahamBarwick
    GrahamBarwick Posts: 459
    no expert but men's health says to run on empty stomach in the morning, bettter for burning fat??? David Gandi (D&G Model) apparently trains that way too?

    yes and no. Only if you run/workout for longer than about 30 minutes at minimum, then it may tap into fat stores, depending on available glycogen.

    Also your body can metabolise protein for fuel also, (if you sweat and smell ammonia) that is why, when i trained in the heat i use to get it all the time as i was burning protein for fuel (food or muscle), fat usually takes a while during exercise before it is metabolised for energy

    agreed and i think i remember reading now fo example David Gandi runs for about an hour then will do circuits of abb training. Which is why they prob suggest he trains this way to burn fat
  • andreacord
    andreacord Posts: 928
    Jillian Michaels recently blogged that you should have something before and after a workout. I've personally been trying that this week because Jillian's stuff has always worked for me and I've found it works. I split it into two parts, something before and something after. Usually I would go on an empty stomach in the morning but I found that I wanted to eat a horse by the time I got back from the gym and ended up consuming probably 500 calories within the span of an hour. So something before and after works for me. If you get ravenous I'd say eat something small.
  • wantasmallbummum
    wantasmallbummum Posts: 45 Member
    I heard that you have to eat something to make your metabolism start working. Then you burn fat faster. If you dont eat anything it'll take longer to work, cos your body needs kickstarting. Dont know it true or not!
  • CallieM15
    CallieM15 Posts: 910 Member
    Im not a fitness/nutrition expert, but I wake up and do Jillian Michaels 30 Day shred at 5am, and I usually will eat a banana before (or 90 calorie special K bar) and then not eat after for about an hour-2. I never feel all that hungry after a workout for a while.
  • lizabelle83
    lizabelle83 Posts: 28
    i have a protein shake before & eat something after :) it works for me but like previous posters have said everyone is different
  • clarkeje1
    clarkeje1 Posts: 1,641 Member
    Sometimes I eat, sometimes I don't but my best results have been where I eat something light (typically a granola bar or banana, no milk products because that can hurt my stomach) and drink a little water, then wait 30 mins to an hour before going to work out. After my workout I eat as soon as I feel hungry.
  • clarkeje1
    clarkeje1 Posts: 1,641 Member
    Im not a fitness/nutrition expert, but I wake up and do Jillian Michaels 30 Day shred at 5am, and I usually will eat a banana before (or 90 calorie special K bar) and then not eat after for about an hour-2. I never feel all that hungry after a workout for a while.

    I agree with this chick!!! :)
  • Bean615
    Bean615 Posts: 132 Member
    i wake up at 5:30 and on my car ride to the gym i eat a tablespoon of natural peanut butter. then i work out and eat when i get to work.
  • reaolliemama
    reaolliemama Posts: 483 Member
    Always after... workout at 5:00, which means I would have to eat at like 3:00 or 3:30... not happening.


    Me too!!! I like my sleep too much!:bigsmile:
  • phresh21
    phresh21 Posts: 132 Member
    It depends on what I'm doing. If I am doing crazy cardio or circuit training than yes I will eat otherwise I'll never make it thru the whole workout. Now If I am just going to do Zumba or lift weights than no, I'm good tell I get home.
  • Ely160
    Ely160 Posts: 51
    I usually eat a little something first (like a sandwich or a shake) to get my metabolism going, and to have the energy necessary to give the best I can during a workout.

    I also like to drink a protein shake (or eat a meal high in protein, like a burger, eggs, etc) within 30 mins after my workout for my muscles sake. :)
  • nml2011
    nml2011 Posts: 156 Member
    Definately after... your body will adapt perfectly fine to fasted workouts;

    Only exception is HIIT you shouldn't do that on an empty stomach.

    Have a black coffee, that is all you need - if a little jaded then a pre workout supplement.

    You can sip BCAAs during workout if you are going hard with weights.

    Make sure you have a good wam up though and stretch etc.

    The thing is if you eat before then some of the stored energy you could be using for your workout will be breaking down your food, some blood will be going to your stomach instead of your muscles.
  • melissaw1232
    melissaw1232 Posts: 184 Member
    I think its personal preference.
    I roll out of bed and do my workout - be it 45 minutes of strength of cardio. Shower dress go to work then eat. Sometimes I'll drink a protein drink before leaving for work because I feel weak. But my endurance doesnt suffer having not eaten.
    Try both ways and see what works for you!
  • PrissyJayne
    PrissyJayne Posts: 17
    I'm up and on my treadmill by 4am and work out on an empty stomach. As soon as I'm done I down 16oz of water while making my latte (my daily cheat!). I consume my latte while getting ready for the day, then prep breakfast and take it with me to the office. It works GREAT for me. I think you just have to find what works for you and stick to it.

    For anyone who is getting stomach cramps on an EMPTY stomach, I've always been told this is due to dehydration rather than a lack of food. Just a thought.
  • Fit4_Life
    Fit4_Life Posts: 828 Member
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37492881/ns/health-fitness/t/get-rid-fat-dont-eat-workout/
  • ChipJDoty
    ChipJDoty Posts: 3
    morning cardio more effective on empty stomach for fat burning. even better with coffee first.
  • cigarzzz
    cigarzzz Posts: 37
    Always after - either a protien shake or some fruit w/ peanut butter...
  • xSophia19
    xSophia19 Posts: 1,536 Member
    Its important to eat something for breakfast in the mornings, whether you plan to excercise or not!

    I wouldnt eat anything too heavy on the stomach, as this can cause stomach cramps whilst excercising. Maybe a little bowl of cereal, or 2 slices of toast with a bit of butter on.

    By eating breakfast, you will kick start your metablosim for the day ahead and when you excercise and burn calories it will help with weightloss.

    hope this has helped.
  • shboyd
    shboyd Posts: 4
    I always eat after I work out! Have read several articule that it is best to work out first thing in the morning before eating cause you are attacking your stored fat. It works for me, attacking of any kind on fat is music to my ears!
  • xcrushx28
    xcrushx28 Posts: 182 Member
    #broscience alert.

    Always have something in the morning before you work out or run...
  • it_be_asin
    it_be_asin Posts: 562 Member
    I've tried working out on an empty stomach, I can't do it. I need to eat breakfast before I work out, otherwise I can feel my blood sugar plummet and I get woozy.
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