Wake and Eat or Wake and Work Out

jmatney79
jmatney79 Posts: 80
in Fitness and Exercise
I get up and go directly to the gym and swim laps for an hour. According to MFP that burns about 1000 calories. Should I eat first? I usually come home hungry and make breakfast, but I'm thinking I should eat a little something first.
Any helpful advice??

Replies

  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Personal preference. If your workouts are good and you feel alright, no reason to change. Some people have to eat before they workout, others can't. Do what works for you.
  • pav523
    pav523 Posts: 1
    I have started having just a small banana or apple or even a 90 calorie bar 20-30 minutes before I exercise. Gives me energy and I am not famished when I am done. And I can take a few minutes afterward to relax.Then I don't overeat when I do make something.
  • 30yearssincebikini
    30yearssincebikini Posts: 261
    I drink an Atkin's shake and eat a spoonful of peanut butter. It's healthy and gives me energy enough for me to work out and when I come home, usually at seven thirty (am) I make breakfast.
  • lorelei76
    lorelei76 Posts: 1
    I add a Kellog's flavored protein water pack (5 calories) to a glass of water prior to going to the gym. This usually holds me over until I get home/work to eat breakfast.
  • EBFNP
    EBFNP Posts: 529 Member
    I think it depends on the person..Personally, I can't eat then workout. Others can.
  • jmatney79
    jmatney79 Posts: 80
    Thanks! I just wondered which way was a better metabolism booster.
  • Karmael
    Karmael Posts: 12
    I either eat a banana or have a yogurt before working out. Then as I was instructed by the fitness trainer at the gym, wait an hour then eat after working out. Usually by the time I finish my reward for working out - sauna & hot tub, shower and get home the hour is up and I eat my breakfast or lunch depending on what time I get home.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Thanks! I just wondered which way was a better metabolism booster.

    This is a controversial subject, here's what Runner's World had to say about it......

    "Q: I've heard that running on an empty stomach will help me burn more fat. True?
    A: Running on an empty stomach does increase the amount of fat calories burned. But this doesn't mean faster weight loss. When running, you burn both carbs and fat. If you're low on carbs, the body will kick in more stored fats for fuel. But due to low energy, you may not run as hard or as long. And after your run, your metabolism may slow due to your semifasted state. All this translates into fewer total calories burned. So eat a snack. You'll run better and burn more calories than if you were running on empty.

    —Liz Applegate, Ph.D., is the director of sports nutrition and nutrition department faculty member at the University of California at Davis in Davis, California."

    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304--13760-0,00.html

    while they specifically refer to running the same would hold true for any cardio activity.

    Having said that, I prefer to not eat for at least a couple of hours before swimming or running (I can eat and bike shortly thereafter) and I'll just chug down a coffee and some water before heading to the pool or heading out for a run.

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