pre-workout nutrition

I have been eating some oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder, waiting an hour or so then going to the gym to strength train and just want to compare notes. What do you eat before your workout? Is it better to workout on an empty stomach?

I would absolutely let the following factors dictate your pre-workout nutrition, assuming that your total daily nutrition is in line with your goals:

1) Personal preference.
2) Gym performance.

If the above two conditions are met, I wouldn't worry about it at all.


I train fasted most of the time because I prefer to save my calories for later in the day, and I typically train in the AM.

I've been doing leangains/IF for a little over a week, so been training fasted. My workout usually consists of 40 minutes of heavy strength training followed by 20 minutes of cardio. Prior to leangains I was taking Muscle Pharm Assault as my pre-workout. Basically creatine mono-hydrate, BCAAs, caffeine, fairy dust and whatever the *kitten* out, and eating a decent breakfast prior.

Now I''m only taking 10 grams of BCAAs 15 minutes prior to workout, training fasted and I find I have a bit more energy and focus considering I try to progressively load each week. I'm an experienced lifter but it's been something inconsistent for me over my life, so I am still in that beginner/intermediate range of being able to push myself quite a bit. I honestly just find this works for me better.

EDIT: should mention I train in the morning, then take 10grams of BCAAs after and don't eat my real post workout meal for a couple hours after.

I have been recommended by a professional coach that you should eat something 2 hours before your workout. What you eat will depend on what type of workout you are doing.

For strength/resistance training, eat something high in protein.

For cardio, eat something that is high in complex carbohydrates.

That way, you'll have the right sort of energy fully digested and ready to be used when you start working out.

I have been eating some oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder, waiting an hour or so then going to the gym to strength train and just want to compare notes. What do you eat before your workout? Is it better to workout on an empty stomach?

Carbs and protein....you have got the bases covered.

If i'm training early in the morning and I wake up with no appetite, then I will train fasted sometimes.

I like some carbs for the quick energy. Not too many, just a granola bar or a banana or something. Also, being diabetic that helps me to ensure I don't have a low sugar episode while on the machines. Afterwards I always get some protein pretty much right away... not because of the studies that say you should, but because I just crave it. I tend to go home and demolish some grilled chicken.

I've been doing leangains/IF for a little over a week, so been training fasted. My workout usually consists of 40 minutes of heavy strength training followed by 20 minutes of cardio. Prior to leangains I was taking Muscle Pharm Assault as my pre-workout. Basically creatine mono-hydrate, BCAAs, caffeine, fairy dust and whatever the *kitten* out, and eating a decent breakfast prior.

Now I''m only taking 10 grams of BCAAs 15 minutes prior to workout, training fasted and I find I have a bit more energy and focus considering I try to progressively load each week. I'm an experienced lifter but it's been something inconsistent for me over my life, so I am still in that beginner/intermediate range of being able to push myself quite a bit. I honestly just find this works for me better.

EDIT: should mention I train in the morning, then take 10grams of BCAAs after and don't eat my real post workout meal for a couple hours after.

~ This is what I do as well .... except I tweaked the " IF " to fit my schedule. But yes, if you can workout in a fasted state and feel you are getting maximum benefits ... it's all good. If not, eat a small protein snack prior to your workout and a large protein meal after !

Side note : Good luck on Leangains ... Berkham is brilliant !

Thanks, yeah I didn't have to vary up things too much. Only difference is the start of my feeding window sometimes varies by an hour or so each day, though is generally consistent on days I train, M-W-F. Sundays I do martial arts till 12:30 which works out perfectly.