AM Workouts - First thing in the morning

Sassy_Cass
Sassy_Cass Posts: 408 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hey MFP'ers,

I was wondering if people had some suggestions about how to maintain evergy levels in the morning for a 6 am workout without having a meal? I don't like eating a full meal right before working out but I don't want to Bonk halfway through my routine.

Any suggestions??

Replies

  • tomhancock
    tomhancock Posts: 100 Member
    I was reading about this yesterday. There are some studies that show you burn fat more efficiently if you have not had anything to eat, even though you will not work out as strenuously because you don't have as much energy.

    I usually work out before eating, but didn't have much energy, I'm thinking I am going to alternate between hungry workouts and post-breakfast workouts from now on to take advantage of this fat burning thing, while also getting better cardio workouts on days I've got the energy from breakfast.
  • meegsc
    meegsc Posts: 1
    Most of the time I work out in the early morning on an empty stomach. I feel too bloated and ill if I have a meal before.

    I tend to take it day by day. If I wake up feeling like I have energy, I just go straight to the gym. But on those days I feel a bit lethargic, I'll have a few nuts or half a banana (and save the other half for breakfast!).

    That said, it takes me 25 minutes to walk to my gym (living at uni, no car/bike/refuse to pay for the bus..ha). I like to leave at least half an hour after having a snack before working out otherwise, again, I feel too bloated.

    Good luck!
  • Sassy_Cass
    Sassy_Cass Posts: 408 Member
    I am starting to think that a protein shake may be in order... bust out the blender and berries. Because I am planning on mixig it up with Cardio and lifting I know that with the amount that I push myself I am going to need the energy.
  • BigB1924
    BigB1924 Posts: 30
    If you drink coffee have a cup of coffee before you go, just try to drink it black.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,222 Member
    Hey MFP'ers,

    I was wondering if people had some suggestions about how to maintain evergy levels in the morning for a 6 am workout without having a meal? I don't like eating a full meal right before working out but I don't want to Bonk halfway through my routine.

    Any suggestions??
    What's happening now, are you bonking out? Depending on your workout, food could be a factor.......cardio maybe not so much. Personally I try to grab something and it's generally carb based for my weight session, but i don't workout that early. maybe a protein shake with some fruit in it.
  • exacerbe
    exacerbe Posts: 447 Member
    Prior to workout or during: coconut water. For me, that's enough sugar to keep me going.
  • exacerbe
    exacerbe Posts: 447 Member
    I am starting to think that a protein shake may be in order... bust out the blender and berries. Because I am planning on mixig it up with Cardio and lifting I know that with the amount that I push myself I am going to need the energy.

    The problem I find with protein is that it sits like a brick if consumed immediately before or during the workout. Then again, I have a weak stomach.
  • Sassy_Cass
    Sassy_Cass Posts: 408 Member
    neander - When I go for weights I push it! None of the floozie high reps no weight sessions for me. What ends up happening is after two sets I feel like I'm done, I know I'm not but without energy I am dropping off faster than I should during my workouts. I am trying to see what people do that is light (like no bacon and egg solutions) and works for providing sustained energy.

    Exacerbe - I will give coconut water a try, though I love water during the day I am not much ofa supporter during intense workouts because our bodies lose so much more than water during a workout given the workout will more likely than not, be on an empty stomach it might help out. Not to mention I am not a huge fan of protein powder LoL

    BigB - I am trying to get myself used to black coffee - man is it trying, I can do one milk half sugar LoL but that is about as black coffee as I get *sigh*
  • saraht131
    saraht131 Posts: 86
    I prefer doing cardio on an empty stomach in the morning - runs or jogs or walks (not that I can run now thanks to a stress fracture, but usually I mean). I never went far enough to risk crashing and burning - 3 or 4 miles usually. Then a big breakfast! :-)

    For hard muscle work stuff I need energy so I don't do these in the morning. I wait until 3 hours after breakfast or lunch.
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,222 Member
    Ok, then I think a protein shake with some carb is your best bet considering your situation, unless you want to get up a few hours early, which I'm sure you don't

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