Something to eat before gym

[^wG]

Quick question, just about to hit the gym, but I am not 100% sure on what to eat before going? Anything that could give me a kick start?

 

[~LV~]

If your looking for some sustained energy and can slam a whey shake with some oats on the side, or in it, about an hour to an hour and a half before your workout.

 

[^wG]

Thanks

 

[wesrman]

I eat 1.5 - 2 hours before training. Any sooner and i feel like my food isnt digested enough. I usually eat whole grain cereal with milk and trail mix.

 

[blackbeard]

"Scientia vis est" or "knowledge is strength". This is a good article on pre/post workout nutrition.

 

[stangelj]

"Scientia vis est" or "knowledge is strength". This is a good article on pre/post workout nutrition.

While I agree with the article that eating a complex carb is essential before working out, I'm surprised it ignored the importance of protein. As ~LV~ suggested, whey protein is one good option pre-workout. Here is a very good article on the importance of protein both before and after working out.

It's all in the timing: eating protein at the optimal times enhances the effects of strength training | American Fitness | Find Articles at BNET

 

[tonymcclellan]

Early food makes me want to vomit so I prefer chocolate milk. Even whey doesnt sit well. Chocolate milk works for me.

 

[blackbeard]

While I agree with the article that eating a complex carb is essential before working out, I'm surprised it ignored the importance of protein. As ~LV~ suggested, whey protein is one good option pre-workout. Here is a very good article on the importance of protein both before and after working out.

I was in a hurry and just googled quickly for an article . is more like it. Low GI carbs provide a provide a steady stream of energy to the body, you don't want to be tired and weak from the insulin spike and then crash from high GI carbs. Protein is (or should be) present in every meal.

Protein
The first component of the meal is protein. Eating enough protein will keep your body in an anabolic state during your workout to reduce muscle breakdown. I recommend consuming 30-40 grams of high quality protein in your pre workout meal. If you can, try to get your protein from whey protein and casein. You can achieve this easily by mixing 25-30 grams of whey protein in 300-400ml of skim milk.

 

[stangelj]

I was in a hurry and just googled quickly for an article . is more like it.

That's an excellent one, spells it out very well.

 

[vamuso]

I try to eat about 1 hour before working out and the best meal that I have found is this:

2 hard boiled eggs
1 apple
6 almonds

Alternatively I'll eat a Clif Builder bar

 

[^wG]

Ooh, thanks guys.

Now, that chocolate milk thing sits well with me, hehe!

Only problem with egg is that I was allergic to it at a young age :/ I don't know if this is medically correct, but, the allergy sort of died off, now I just don't like eating egg. I'll have to get used to it I suppose.

 

[stangelj]

I try to eat about 1 hour before working out and the best meal that I have found is this:

2 hard boiled eggs
1 apple
6 almonds

Alternatively I'll eat a Clif Builder bar

Yum, Cliff Builder bars are my favorite protein bar, tastes great, pretty good ingredients, no artificial flavors or colors, 20g of protein, and available on-and-off at Costco at a very reasonable price. I always have one in my gym bag and some at the office for when I need a quick snack.

 

[tic]

For me, if it's 1.5-2 hours before I go for peanut butter and jelly sandwhich with wheat bread. If it's 30 minutes prior, it's hot oatmeal (1 small bag) or 1 slice of wheat bread (something slow digesting but filling).

 

[vamuso]

Yum, Cliff Builder bars are my favorite protein bar, tastes great, pretty good ingredients, no artificial flavors or colors, 20g of protein, and available on-and-off at Costco at a very reasonable price. I always have one in my gym bag and some at the office for when I need a quick snack.

They are great. No after taste either. Actually sort of tastes like desert. I can pick them up at Publix (Florida Grocery Chain) or Walmart for around $1.50. How much do you get them for at Costco? Used to like the vanilla almond the most, but now favor the mint.

 

[stangelj]

If I recall it was a box of 18 and the price was something like $21.99 Canadian, so quite inexpensive. Last time I was there they didn't have any though so I hope they bring them back.

 

[leckbass]

For me, if it's 1.5-2 hours before I go for peanut butter and jelly sandwhich with wheat bread.

Yup, PB&J same here, but for me if tis 30 minutes before, its whey and a piece of fruit, apple or orange...