What and when to eat prior to exercise.

[Satina]

I'm overweight and unfit.

I've recently lost 17lbs, which has taken me out of the 'obese' BMI category, through a low calorie diet.

I've now started using the gym. I ate a bar (I replace some of my meals with products from Exante as they're quick and easy) just before going to the gym, as I thought it would help with energy. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling sick.

What foods are good to eat pre-hard-workout that will give me optimum energy, but not make me feel sick and when's best to eat them?

Any advice from more experienced exercisers is much appreciated.

[lljkk]

You probably have to experiment to find out what works for you (sorry).

Ideally I swim or run as empty as possible. Ideally at least 2 hours since eating anything.
In reality, I often have a small snack less than an hour before without trouble (I guess small = < 200 kcal on an otherwise empty stomach). Many people would say the ideal snack is high protein & low fibre/fat.

Cycling I could do after any amount of food except not a big meal (so I guess still < 100 kcal).

[lljkk]

< 1000 kcal...

[shitpark]

I find it better to eat after I run/gym. Eating before always makes me feel sick.
It is actually unlikely that you need to eat before working out, far better to eat a sensible meal after wards, much better than a bar.

[shitpark]

And huge congratulations on the weight loss by the way

[SmarmyMrMime]

Banana, at least half an hour before, an hour is even better.

Being well hydrated first is important too.

[Satina]

Thanks all.