What do you eat/ drink before the gym or other exercise?

[lizardqueenie]

I'm quite excited as I've got myself into a routine of going to the gym at least twice a week to follow a plan given to me by a trainer. It's lot of cv interval training & then some weights & ab exercises to finish. I am still very very overweight but feel very excited about going to the gym now, having an hour for myself.
Anyway- what is it best to eat/ not to eat before I exercise & how much time should I leave before exercising. I've noticed I'm eyeing a stitch when on the treadmill sometimes. I'm still trying to sort out the diet side of a healthier lifestyle.

Thank you :)

It depends how much time I have! I see my trainer twice a week. During the week it's at 6.45am! Then, I usually have some full fat yoghurt (Total brand) and a coffee. On a Sunday I see him at 7.30am, so I generally have a little more time before I go - so I usually have a boiled egg.

Thanks team that makes sense for first thing in the morning- good to have something light.. I usually go around 3pm so wondering what to have for lunch etc

Anyone else?

Just don't eat anything too indigestible. If I'm running I try to eat lunch about an hour beforehand, maybe a mackerel fillet and potato salad, or a tuna salad sarnie - lots of protein, some carb, at least 2 of my 5 a day. You won't need to eat special things in order to exercise - hydration w water far more important. If you're trying to lose weight then try to avoid 'treating' yourself too much before/after working out.you really don't need anything other than a balanced diet (which incls carbs) to work out. I like to eat, so I do reward myself, but w a banana or a slice of malt loaf, which I'd normally have as a late afternoon snack anyway.

Bacon & egg today. Bad idea, nearly honked on the elliptical trainer! That and the man on ten treadmill in front of me did at least 3 gag-making parps! Not what you want when you're breathing deeply!

My friend (who is a nutritionist and advises on exactly this stuff) suggests fresh vegetable juices. Works for her, but you'd need a juicer if you don't already had one.

Well done for getting the habit! That's what it's all about!

Tha ls for all the tips everyone. I've noticed it really does have an impact on how I feel when I go to the gym!

Hmm didn't think a fry up would be a good one. Really love the way I'm feeling. Will give the juices a try.

I run after I drop the kids at school (8:30 am) so have usually had a piece of toast, boiled egg and fruit OR porridge, nuts and fruit an hour before. Never had a problem with that. I used to exercise in the evening (6:30/7:00-ish) and could never eat dinner before that... (light) late afternoon snack before and late dinner afterwards works much better.

Nothing. Mouthful of water if thirsty. Drink glass of water when finished, but you won't have dehydrated yourself that much unless you've been sweating for hours (you pee is best indicator, should be pale yellow).

I eat paleo style, so don't miss carbs, often have fasted for 5hrs before run & no probs. In past used to eat pasta after, what a mistake, same as eating sugar and undoes any work you've done.

Good place to start reading about different approach to diet/workouts is www.marksdailyapple.com

Good luck.

Banana or cereal bar? (Love Nakd ones)
They give me a quick boost of energy if I eat them an hour or so before I workout.