Eat before your workout or after? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Liz02 · 08-19-2009, 02:00 PM

Here is my question......Is it better to workout on an empty stomach or to eat a lil something before? I currently drink a cup of coffee before my workout. Then I do my workout then I drink my protein shake. Just wondering what everyone else was doing.

Thanks Liz

angel82784 · 08-19-2009, 02:05 PM

My trainer tells me I should eat a small amount of carbs before as that is what the body burns first, and then focus on protein after the work out to help the muscles repair after the work out
good luck

Arsonal · 08-19-2009, 03:05 PM

I've read both ways. For every way of doing something in a work out, there is something written to dispute it.

My personal belief is, if you work out first thing in the morning, try to do it in a fasted state, with nothing but water before the work out. Then, have protein after the work out.

My thing with carbs prior to a work out is that you are spending at least the first part of your work out burning up those carbs you just consumed.

I think a work out on a fasted state really focuses on building muscle, which is kind of the whole point of working out.

That is just my opinion. You have to find what works for you. It is not necessarily realistic for everyone to get a work out in on a fasted state, or first thing in the morning.

suebry05 · 08-19-2009, 03:11 PM

heres my input too...

am workouts- your biggest no no- is drinking coffee as this will help to dehydrate you and if you are working out correctly you should be sweating and this could be bad for you as you probably take a while to get in your liquids to be able to rehydrate you

also in the am- I always went with no food- then I was getting light headed and wanted to pass out i was told to eat some protein (chicken) it worked I no longer get lightheaded during working out

sooo what works for me may not work for the next but I have lost alot of weight and I feel great- find something that works for you..but really rethink the coffee in the am

good luck

Meaghan · 08-19-2009, 05:45 PM

I don't eat before working out, mainly because I guzzle water during the workout. I can't do anything (working out wise) without my 1.5L bottle of water and usually end up drinking 2 bottles.

88Shelly88 · 08-20-2009, 09:35 AM

I also work out on an empty stomach. I drink my one bottle of water before I leave the gym and try to keep it at that. I then eat my breakfast when I get home. I agree that working out on an empty stomach would help burn old calories faster. It works for me. Obviously if you get sick feeling or lightheaded like a few of the other posters you would want to eat something. No point in working out if you are not in the right frame of mind and working out HARD! :O)

Godsblessedme · 08-20-2009, 01:48 PM

You will actually burn more calories on an empty stomach in the morning, but if you cant hack that eat an apple do your workout, then drink a protein shake. Thats how my trainer recommends

Liz02 · 08-21-2009, 11:01 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions.

zoomlenz4u · 08-23-2009, 11:05 PM

I would say try both. I beleive everyone's body is different. I tried both and for me eating something first works better for me. coffee then the shake.

watfam4 · 08-27-2009, 08:48 AM

When I started back playing racquetball, but biggest issue was keeping hydrated. I drink before, during, and after, and I cut back on the coffee on workout days.

Having food in my pouch (or not) does not seem to have much net effect on the quality of my workout (energy level). I do workout in the afternoon.