Pre/post workout eating?

[sekhmut]

What do you guys eat before and after workouts? I usually have a mix of avo & banana as breakfast before, but my post workout eating tends to be a bit random and I'd like some stability.

[dani_b]

Before exercise I like to have something light and quickly digested like a fresh juice or coconut water. Then for afterwards I like to make a big green smoothie with hemp protein powder. I get really hungry after exercising, but if you are not as hungry, coconut water is also good after because it replaces electrolytes.

[rawfigure]

I like to work out on an empty stomach, but if I have been up for awhile I may have a small banana. My preference would not eat a fat (like avo) before a workout. After a work out I have fruit, then 1/2 later after my shower I have more substaantial Juice or Smoothie.

[Rawmommie]

I have worked out on an empty stomach and also after having food and don't see a difference. Does anyone know the theory behind each of these? The food gives you more energy to push harder, right? Or not eating helps you burn fat? Not sure it makes a difference for me, I can't tell. :confused:

[jeanneroth]

Hi everyone! This is my first post, I am excited to join the group!

First of all, I am an Ironman Triathlete - with that being said, my workouts are quite long and I eat before, during and after!

Typically, your body stores enough energy for about 1-1:30 hours (2 hours max) of cardio. then your body starts to break down muscle. Some myths about food and working out: You will not burn more fat if you don't eat before a workout. Fat burning is based on your heart rate and if you are interested, you should do some research and reading about that.

For an hour workout I usually eat a banana or have a handful of dried cranberries before my workout and have a green drink after to balance out the acid that is produced.

Hope this helps! :D
jeanne

[subbacultcha]

I have a banana before and coco water afterwards :) Perfect!

[lily]

I believe there is some research showing that your metabolism is raised if you eat something before exercising, and it stays that way for about 1-2 hours afterwards. I find it very difficult to eat before exercise, though; I much prefer eating afterwards.

[rawfoodmommy#1]

I agree with Lily, I can't eat anything before a workout or else I feel very heavy and can't do much exercising. Also, I read a lot of books and most of them recommend exercising on empty stomach.

[jeanneroth]

I agree with Lily, I can't eat anything before a workout or else I feel very heavy and can't do much exercising. Also, I read a lot of books and most of them recommend exercising on empty stomach.

You should work out on an empty stomach, but not depleted. I eat about 1 hour before to 2 hours before a workout depending on what I am doing. If you are doing low impact weight lifting, you can eat closer, if you are going for a run or doing something with high intensity, you should give yourself more time to digest.

I made my own raw "power bars" that I can eat and absorb quickly before a morning run.

The banana and coco water is my next thing to try..I just ordered a case of coconuts. (Actually my friends did for me!)

[Mindi]

I would not advise eating fats before or after your workouts. It slows down digestion, therefore preventing the carbs from being absorbed quickly. This is important if you eat before working out because you need the sugar for energy. Afterwards, you need the carbs to replenish lost glycogen quickly and help aid muscle repair.

[megangoesraw]

I usually workout on an empty stomach too. ONLY because I usually work out in the mornings. This is best, because after a full nights rest, your body should have the most energy in the morning after waking up. If you are the type of person to workout after work or before bed, maybe have some fresh juice before your workout. When you eat before your workout, it puts your body in a type of confusion...trying to give you energy to workout, and trying to give energy to the digestion process at the same time. This can cause the food in your system to digest longer than it needs to.