My husband and I work out before the kid wakes up around 5:30 / 6. Should we eat beforehand?
I guess a subset to this question is: if we don’t eat before we work out, does the body pull energy from muscle or fat stores? I saw this one guy online (I know, lol, what a start to a sentence) who said that some people don’t see results because they don’t eat beforehand and the body turns to muscle for energy - he suggested eating 30 g of protein within 30 minutes of waking and then afterward doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise - not sure if anyone else has seen that guy around.
Does anyone know if there’s any truth to this? Any experience?
Nausea while working out (from eating prior or not eating) is not an issue for either of us.
@aroah1015 It doesn't matter, if you feel fine working out fasted, you're fine.
Having 30g protein before a workout isn't gonna give you energy. Having carbs would. But if you don't feel like you need it, don't have it.
Getting protein in after a workout is good, BUT the timing doesn't matter. Don't stress about it. Protein synthesis lasts for longer than that 30 min window that you'll hear about.
@aroah1015 If that guy's name is Gary Brecka, take his advice with extreme caution. Sometimes he just makes stuff up.
Your pre-workout eating habits are about how you feel during your workout. I've had light breakfasts, 100 calories worth of gummy bears. Sometimes I just have a protein shake.
Your weight loss is about your calorie balance over time. It's easier to stay on a plan if you have an actual plan, and if it's realistic for you.
@aroah1015 Have a banana and you'll be fine. Your energy depends on how well you slept, hydration, and if you reach your caloric goals. It doesn't really matter when you exercise during the day, before or after the meals.
@aroah1015 acute fuel utilization mechanistic rationale is generally not important equating daily activity and calories beyond what simply makes you feel or train better.
would probably not go many hours after a muscle damaging or stimulatory workout without a common sense amount of protein and carbs otherwise id say dont overthink
@aroah1015 Personal preference...it would be exceedingly rare for your glycogen stores to be depleted overnight just sleeping...you're going to pull energy from a combination of glycogen stores and fat just like you would if you had eaten something. Pulling energy from muscle would be your body's last resort.
@aroah1015 Congratulations to both Mom and Dad for getting in that workout first thing in the morning!
I have tried having something to eat before a workout in the morning, which seems to make me enjoy my run lesser.
So, I have now stopped eating anything before the runs.
Personally, I think this can vary from person to person and best way would be to try it out and see which option feels better.
Wishing you the very best for your workout journey!!
@aroah1015 You can take your protein like within 30 minutes post workout after working out on an empty stomach. Your muscles don't start repairing themselves like literally as your using them so your body doesn't really need it before/during workouts. I tend to get nauseous working out with food in me.
@aroah1015 Both have their benefits, and it depends on your personal preference and goals. Working out before eating can help burn fat since your body relies on stored energy. However, exercising after eating can provide fuel for your workout, potentially enhancing performance. It's essential to listen to your body and find what works best for you.
@aroah1015 Just to put this out there - if you are a woman you might what to consider your hormones and cortisol levels. Working out hard on an empty stomach can cause elevated cortisol levels. For me I prefer to have something, even if not hungry, to keep my hormones happy!
@dw96 Ah fuck. Yes I am a woman and yes I def need to do more research on this… have you read a book or listened to a podcast or just gathered info over time?
