Q for you crazies who workout in the morning

My boss just changed my hours from starting at 7 to now 8.  So I am thinking it might be possible to start working out in the mornings!  I have never liked doing mornings because 1. I'm not awake and 2. I NEED food in my system to have any energy whatsoever.

So my question: What do you do for breakfast?  Every morning I have a whey protein shake and drink it on the way to work.  But I don't know what to eat or how much time I should wait between eating and working out...

Also, is this a "do whatever works for you" type of thing, or does eating right before a workout actually hinder any weight loss or fitness goals???

If I am hungry in the morning before the gym I find it is always nice to have a small protein snack, nothing too filling. Try half a shake, or a small apple with a slice of cheese. Too much food will slow you down and rattle around in your belly if you are doing hard cardio. If you are just doing weights, you could probably eat more. I don't know if either way it really makes any difference at all to the results, just your motivation. When I work out first thing I usually go on an empty stomach, assuming this will burn more fat. Good luck!  

Basically whatever works for you, and what type of exercise you are doing. How long and what type of exercise are you doing?

UD

Check this out: Should I eat before I run?

It may help answer your question. Basically, as umneydurak said, and my favorite answer, "it depends" on what ever works for you. I range from nothing to an apple, to nuts, to a protein bar. All depends on how I feel when I get up.

I tend to stay away from protein before I work out because your body needs carbs, not protein, for energy. I've heard it recommended a few different places that you should aim for 200 calories of carbs in the 2 hours before you work out. The closer you get to the workout, the easier those carbs should be to digest. Fruit juice works well for lots of people. I believe it's important to have something unless it makes you physically uncomfortable, as you won't work out as hard if you don't have food in your system and thus the energy to push yourself- this has been confirmed by scientific research.

I don't eat anything before I workout... I know I should but I roll out of bed 4am and workout, for 20 min, shower for 20 min, get kids up and off to daycare and to work by 6.

I usually start my breakfast with fruit though, nothing heavy.

in answer to umneydurak,  I am currently doing NROL4W (hence the protein shake every morning) but my weight workouts are with a friend two nights a week.  So my morning workouts would be cardio- either 20 min of HIIT or 45 min of steady cardio.  Hence the energy need thing... I guess I'll have to try a few things and see what works best.

thanks!

Original Post by greenpea88:

I am currently doing NROL4W (hence the protein shake every morning)

 I though that Lou Schuler's iron clad rules of this program was that you have the protein shake right after your workout...did I misread that?

You're right, i have a shake after every weight workout (2 evenings) but I also have one most mornings, simply for getting more protein in my day.

My preworkout breakfast is always two slices of toast with peanut butter. Its yummy, quick, and has both protein and carbs.

I have a slim fast shake before and a protein bar after It works very well for me!

I train before 7am on tue, wed and thu and personally cant get through a gruelling workload without food in my system but thats ecause its cardio. if i where to do weights i woulsd have a tiny bite carb /protein wise. I always have a good brekkie afterwards. give the body what it deserves

I've done different things; nothing too heavy but usually a little carb and protein (banana w peanut butter, toast with PB, wholewheat pita and turkey breast, 1/2 protein shake, etc.)

I've been working out at 5:00 AM for the last 4 years and couldn't imagine trying to train at a crowded gym like most are in the afternoon / evening.  Plus it sets my day up to be great. how bad can it get if you've had a great workout?

I usually put in the blender powder milk, very cold water and cereals, then I drink that (do not have too much time for a solid breakfast), you may add fruits also, if you need to energy for your cardio (half an apple maybe).

After the workou I take my protein shake.

I have to say, that a week ago, I had to attend to the gym after lunch (an hour and a half later), and I noticed that I could lift heavier that in the morning, do not know why, but have that in mind maybe you will experience something similar.

regards.

I don't run but have started walking. I have read several articles and most conclude you should eat before you exercise. Years ago when I used to run I did find myself "running out of gas" if I ran on an empty stomach.

Now I have a couple of eggs fried in oolive oil and wheat toast or some fruit. I feel more energized when walking so I imagine eating will help runners as well.

a banana

Original Post by emilyd22222:

Original Post by greenpea88:

I am currently doing NROL4W (hence the protein shake every morning)

 I though that Lou Schuler's iron clad rules of this program was that you have the protein shake right after your workout...did I misread that?

 From page 75 of the book:

'Pre-workout shakes: If you're going to exercise in the next hour or so, you can have a pre-workout shake instead of a midmorning or midafternoon snack'

I'm guessing this is on days when you don't lift. Not sure.

I usually have an ounce of nuts plus two ounces of cheese, and some veggies.

If your goal is weight loss you may want to consider working out on an empty stomach.  If you choose to eat I would suggest a small snack of protein and carb.

Why do you say to work out on empty stomach?

UD

Original Post by umneydurak:

Why do you say to work out on empty stomach?

UD

 If you workout on an empty stomach you can burn more stored body fat.  If you overdo it you can also burn muscle so it is a delicate balance.  Everyone is different so you need to see what works best for you.