Pre-workout food

Hi,

What is a good, quick to eat food I could have right before I go to the gym?  Last night I had a low-blood sugar moment after cardio.  

Thanks,

Angela 

Generally, you're not supposed to eat right before, but rather about an hour before, going to the gym.  I suggest bananas or granola bars.

I eat about 30 minutes before...usualy a medium sized apple and tablespoon of peanut butter.

According to a fitness professional I met with last week, here are some good pre- and post-workout snacks to increase glucose concentration in the blood, decrease hunger from striking and enhance performance during the workout:

Pre-workout

When: 60 mins before exercise

What: High: complex carb: Moderate: protein, fat: Low: simple sugar, fibre, salt, caffeine

How much: 1g carb/kg or body weight + protein source

Total: ~250 cals

EXAMPLES: 1/2 whole grain bagel & 1 tbsp PB; 1/2 cup rice & 1 oz full fat cheese; 1/3 cup raw nut mix & a piece of fresh fruit; 1/2 cup yogurt or cottage cheese & a piece of fresh fruit

Post-workout:

When: 15-60 mins after exercise

What: High: simple carb; Moderate: protein, fibre; Low: fat, salt, caffeine

How much: 3:1 ratio of carb:protein

Total: ~300 cals

EXAMPLES: 1 cup chocolate milk & 1/2 bagel with jam; 1 cup fresh juice & 1/2 can tuna on crackers; 1 pita & 1/4 cup hummus; 1 banana, 1/2 cup yogurt & 1/4 cup almonds.

These are only snacks and not meals. A nutritionally balanced meal should follow your snack 2 hours post-workout.

I agree, I've been training for years, and anything you eat right before you go to the gym, won't effect your workout...the best is about 30 before or after.

I have done the carb thing, like pasta and granola, but its not worth the extra calories or sugar, its almost like shooting yourself in the foot, in my opinion. Because unless you're making your own granola bars, they are hard to find with little sugar or carbs...

In my opinion, and everyone is different is something like celery or carrots with a reduced fat peanut butter. You still will be getting in some sugar, but not enough to off set your workout, and the celery and carrots are practicaly free foods, calorie, sugar and fat wise...that peanut butter has loads of protein and THAT is what fuels a workout, not sugar or carbs, a good lean protein, even like egg whites or grilled chicken...

That's what has worked best for me! Hope this helps!!

It bothers me when I take the time to type out a lengthy, informed response and the OP doesn't return to the thread. Just sayin'.

LOL I feel your pain, Cellophane.

 

If it's any consolation, I bookmarked this thread just for the information you offered. This is exactly what I was looking for.

 

thanks,

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  I'm just getting back to the gym thing so this is helpful.

 

Angela 

Yeah, you should definately eat lots (?) of protein after you have worked out (weight lifting). I read it's good to do so because it helps rebuild your muscle tissue or something like that. I forgot the exact details.

Thanks, Bradlupis!  and thanks to the OP for returning & responding!

I found this all very useful too, thanks everyone!