pre-workout eating

[dklaiman]

I usually pay little attention to what I eat before a workout (it's usually whatever we're having for dinner on a given night) but when I get up early before a longer ride/run, I have a couple of peanut butter and honey sandwiches. I broke the trend this a.m. and had a couple pieces of cold pizza, which was a really bad idea. I was tasting pizza for about 25 miles on the bike. Second worst pre-exercise meal ever--I once had several twinkies and a quart of chocolate milk, but I was in college and not that smart.

Any suggestions for a better meal before an endurance event, or any foods you've tried and recommend we all avoid? Obviously, this is a YMMV post, but it might be fun to hear the good and the bad.

 

[The Nid Hog]

I'm a big fan of oatmeal. A little peanut butter and fresh berries added and I'm good to go.

 

[gobeavs]

toast w/ peanut butter

some people swear by a glass of chocolate milk too

 

[Neurotopia]

Yogurt and granola

 

[Lynchmeister]

I had good luck this morning with an English muffin and strawberry jam before my swim.

 

[TimmyBoston]

For a regular workout, a bagel and cream cheese works nicely for me.

 

[blary54]

I usually grab something small like a banana and a piece of toast with peanut butter on it. Maybe a bowl of oatmeal or Shredded wheat. Then bring a protein shake with me and drink while I work out(If I'm lifting weights). If i'm road biking Ill bring a handful of raisins in a zip lock bag (studies show these are natures power-bars. Give you quick/fast energy).

 

[Stubblefield]

Before weights? Coffee.

I generally eat 2 hours before an endurance workout, which for me is a 2-3 hour hike. Bacon, cheese, and a little fruit. I would do the same when I was riding a lot, and never had an issue.

 

[djh]

Breakfast cereal, fruit and milk, bread with jam or peanut butter. Plenty of fluids and then I am ready.

 

[ChrisS86]

I could never do any kind of dairy before an endurance event, workout, or game.

Hockey games were always at night, so I would always eat a nice plate of pasta and a banana about an hour and a half beforehand.

Rugby matches are always in the morning or early afternoon, so I make sure I get in a fortified breakfast. This consists of orange juice, a banana, a wheat bagel with peanut butter, and some oatmeal (I normally make oatmeal with milk, but before a game like this, I have to use water).

 

[joebob2586]

for me it depends on the workout, if Im doing an at home workout like P90x ill just have an instant breakfast or granola bar, however the days that I ride my bike ill have granola and some fruit or toast with PB I try to avoid dairy because it makes me phlem up for the first few miles.

 

[tblech]

I like to go out for a ride having had nothing to eat at all. Just a large glass of water before I head out, then water or gatoraid as nessisary while rideing. Come home shower then eat. I read Bill Phillips Body For Life book several years ago and this is what he suggested to do. The idea is to allow this to jump start your metabolisim and force the body to pull from your body reserves for energy.

 

[wolffie]

If I have a big workout planned in the morning (lots of cardio) I normally eat salad for breakfast. I learned this trick from Born to Run. It's light and satisfying and doesn't sit in your stomach.

If I'm working out at night I normally eat a clif bar 1- 2 hours before. I avoid protein shakes, they always make me feel ill.

 

[polaar]

I'm with Tblech - I'm a runner and never work out on a full stomach. I eat after my morning run.

 

[Wendy]

I like to go out for a ride having had nothing to eat at all. Just a large glass of water before I head out, then water or gatoraid as nessisary while rideing. Come home shower then eat. I read Bill Phillips Body For Life book several years ago and this is what he suggested to do. The idea is to allow this to jump start your metabolisim and force the body to pull from your body reserves for energy.

Same here. It is embedded in my head because of that book as well. I do have a bit of caffeine though.

 

[Scotto]

I work out first thing in the morning and never eat anything (except water). Breakfast comes after.

 

[tg16]

I generally drink a glass of water and a glass of coffee before a morning run, then eat after. I'm one of those people that can't have much on my stomach prior to heavy exercise of any type.

 

[SRock]

I'm a big fan of oatmeal. A little peanut butter and fresh berries added and I'm good to go.

+1 and in the right quantity it sits very well in the gut during your workout.