what to eat before AM exercise

[balletgrrl]

To Cathe and educated crowd,
I exercise first thing in the morning (I don't have any other time throughout the day because of my job and long commute). I usually wake up around 6 am, and am exercising by 6:15, 6:20. My sessions last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. It seems like I have to exercise on an empty stomach - otherwise I get REALLY bad stomach cramps. One time, I ate a banana about 30 minutes before, and could barely finish the workout! (this is mostly true for cardio - weights isn't as bad).

I am torn because I really want muscle development (I don't want my body to be eating muscle to fuel itself) but it seems like I simply cannot eat before cardio without feeling sick. I tried OJ before (a small amount - only like 4oz) and this seemed to go down ok, but I don't know if this is enough to off-set the effects of my body eating muscle. Can anyone help with suggestions? Is it okay to not eat before working out and still develop muscle? I posted this over in the Open Discussion forum as well but didn't get any responses. Thanks in advance!

Alison

 

[punky3333]

Hi Alison,

I am by no means an expert, but I'm sure that I've even read some articles recommending working out on an empty stomach in the morning - something about fat burning. So I'm not sure that its a bad thing. I wonder whether there is ever a definitive answer to some of these questions.

I am an a.m. exerciser as well. I have a cup of coffee when I first get up, but I always exercise on an empty stomach (except on weekends, when I workout later). Within 1/2 after my workout, I always have a protein shake and a slice of whole wheat toast.

So I'm interested in the replies as well. I wish I could find that article for you.

 

[JannaL]

I am an A.M. exerciser too (5:00am-6:00am).
I don't eat anything before I exercise. I also get bad stomach cramps if I do. My mom works out in the morning. She goes to the gym so she'll eat a small banana on the way but that would give me a stomach ache. I don't find any difference in my workout if I workout in the morning on an empty stomach or in the afternoon after a good breakfast and lunch. Do what works for you!

 

[Jennifit]

I am an early exerciser, too! This is what works for me:
I have a little bit of plain oatmeal to get me going. Anything with a lot of acid (like orange juice) is probably not so good for your stomach before you exercise.
I also drink a bit of water before I workout, and drink throughout workout. (I do not drink tons of water before.) Then, I eat no longer than 20 minutes aftet I workout to restore lost carbs/glucose and protein.


jenni

 

[Timber99]

For the most part, I do not eat before exercise in the morning. However, I don't typically do my pure cardio tapes in the morning and stick to combination tapes like the Firm or Cathe weight tapes. I, too, can't get through the cardio that early in the morning.

When I am training for an event, I tend to do more exercise than usual and typically I am doing "pure cardio." I have found that raisins are perfect for home workouts. If I am going to the gym in the morning, I will eat half a Clif or granola bar when I get up. But that is when I have about 30 minutes before I get to the actual exercise and can digest a bit.

Try the raisins and if you find something else that works, post what worked for you!

 

[rmrmr]

Hi Alison,

I am also an am exerciser (5:30-7:00) and I always exercise on an empty stomach. Sometimes I can get away with weights after eating something small, but definitely not cardio. I also drink 32 to 64oz during my morning workouts-this is essential for me to get through the longer workouts ie bodymax, sjc. You just have to find what works best for you.

 

[Becka1967]

So if your goal is fatloss, one should try not to eat anything before working out?
I am trying to workout in the early morning but I sometimes feel like I don't have much energy early in the morning as I do later in the day.
thanks,
Bec

 

[Gibbee]

I workout in the AM (about 4:45 til 6) and I, too, cannot eat. I usually drink 32 oz of water while working out. Sometimes, if the tummy is badly rumbling, I may have 1 or 2 saltines or ritz but take it easy on the cardio in the beginning to avoid reflux or that sick feeling. I have no recommendations for you beyond that becuase I face same issues.