Eating and exercise

o_delaisse · March 2012

Hi

I like to exercise in the morning, and this has meant exercising on an empty stomach. However, I'm working on upping my cals and am starting to eat breakfast, so what I'm wondering is:

1) is it better to exercise after breakfast or does it not matter?

2) if it's better to have breakfast first, should it be an hour or so before I exercise?

I've looked it up and seen so much conflicting information, so it would be good to see what other people's experiences and "rules" are so I can make a better judgement

So, if you have any opinions, please do share

theoriginaljayne · March 2012

I don't think it matters whether you eat breakfast before or after. However, I've heard quite a few people say that it's good to eat a high-protein snack shortly after you exercise. If you do decide to have breakfast before you exercise, I'd leave at least an hour for digestion – it's not very pleasant to exercise on a full stomach!

o_delaisse · March 2012

I know, I found that out this morning

I stupidly just didn't think and got such a bad stitch! I only waited 15 minutes or something! Never again!

wurgin · March 2012

something highly digestible like a banana and yogurt will fuel your work out. i don;t think you need to wait an hour. have a bit more to eat after you work out too!

sisierra · March 2012

In training for the military we always exercise before we eat breakfast. I've heard through the grapevine, that exercising first thing is optimal for fat burning. I'm not 100% about the source though, so don't take it TOO seriously

RestartThisRight · March 2012

Here's a great link on fasted cardio! Which is cardio on an empty stomach

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/assessing-fasted-cardio-training.html

Toddrific · March 2012

I'm not sure if it matters. If you exercise prior to eating, it will use your reserve energy for the exercise. But when you eat...you replace the reserve. So probably not a huge difference.

TheresaC928 · March 2012

I eat breakfast before exercising but usually an hour between them. I also have to take high blood pressure meds and allergy meds that require me to eat while taking them. I tried to work out first and then eat and take meds and did not work well for me. I suppose everyone is different. I usually eat light under 500 calories which would be a belvita biscuit pack or whole grain cereal, piece of fruit, and light yogurt or lean lunch meat.

MinkyMoo13 · March 2012

Having 'slow digestion' (apparently) i always get a stitch if i eat before exercise.. i tend to have yoghurt and or smoothie when i get in today i added a slice of toast! Was Yum! I get up at 6am to exercise so also i don't have time to have breakfast let it settle and then head to the gym before work.

maz165 · March 2012

I think it depends on the person and the circumstances. If you feel ravaged, maybe have a small snack before that will give you energy (banana or something) and then something more substantial afterwards.

It's a struggle enough for me to wake up and workout in the morning, so waking up extra early for breakfast is just not gonna happen. I've never really had a problem with it.

o_delaisse · March 2012

Here's a great link on fasted cardio! Which is cardio on an empty stomach
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/assessing-fasted-cardio-training.html

I really appreciate you sharing that link - you've also answered why I got a migraine this morning! I've started running (only just, this is second day) and it didn't occur to me that I was increasing the intensity of my cardio.

Obviously, there is no one right answer in all of this, but I'm thinking for me it would be best to eat breakfast first. I'm still not used to eating breakfast, but, well, I'm going to have to get used to it! So I'll aim to wait an hour or so. I think, for me, this would work best.

Thanks everyone for their input

Eating and exercise

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