Training in morning

[Dezzy]

After a few injuries over xmas and the new year, I have gained a bit of weight which im now looking to lose.

I want to start fitness training first thing on a morning before (probably kettlebells, burpees etc)

My question is, is it better to train on an empty stomach or have some breakfast first?

[Evilbob]

I'd go for empty, that way you're burning off fat rather than using up the food you've just eaten. Plus, makes you feel like you've earned your breakfast. Saying that, I always struggle getting out of my pit 1st thing to go for a run!

[Rosi]

I'd always have something first to get the metabolism going. You get a better workout that way, and burn more calories overall.

On an empty stomach, yes, you're burning fat - but my understanding is that you probably don't end up with a larger net loss of fat overall than you would if you ate first. It also limits the intensity you can work at, and it means you'll be burning up protein from your muscles which you probably want to avoid.

[Duchman]

I'd always have something first to get the metabolism going. You get a better workout that way, and burn more calories overall.

On an empty stomach, yes, you're burning fat - but my understanding is that you probably don't end up with a larger net loss of fat overall than you would if you ate first. It also limits the intensity you can work at, and it means you'll be burning up protein from your muscles which you probably want to avoid.

Totaly agree.

[stinkyrich]

So the question is, what should you eat and how long should you wait before exercising?

Always tricky when you've got tight timescales e.g need to do it before work etc. As it goes I eat 1.5 hours before visiting the gym but that's obviously a full meal...

[Dezzy]

Thanks guys,

yeah I was wondering the same as rich, whats the best thing to eat on a morning? (pre and post training)

[Danny-MMA]

Thanks guys,

yeah I was wondering the same as rich, whats the best thing to eat on a morning? (pre and post training)

Chicken or pasta would be good, lots of energy =]

[DetoxGuru.com]

small bowl of hot porridge always works for me , wouldnt dream of having chicken before a work out , think id puke :)

[Emmet J]

I always train first thing on a Saturday morning and I always go for a couple of bananas and some honey. I know it sounds random, and I have no idea if it's 'good for you' or not, but it does the trick for me.

[Soldmysoulforabeer]

On a Saturday i've found porridge with quite abit of Sugar good before doing training. Weekdays i normally have a big bowl of pasta with Tuna, Pilchards or chicken several hours before quite good! I normally eat about 2 hours before i do anything.

[Lou]

Porridge with bananas and blueberries with honey. Always have that before morning cycling and training and that seems to do the job.

[Rs1]

Depends on what type of training i'm doing aswell, if it on the bike or weights i can pretty much eat anything and train right away. If its running then i have to wait 2-3hrs before i can train otherwise every session would be a run till you puke. If its bjj(plenty rolling) then i can't have anything liquidy, bread/toast seems to stay down well though.

[Bateman]

On a sunday I train at 10am , I tend to drink some water and have some dried fruit http://www.whitworths.co.uk/freshvdriedfruit.htm about an hour before I go.. then when i get back I have porridge and a protein drink... works well for me... nice kick of energy...

[Smiler]

Hi,

I train 7am every day, never eat before training, just have a coffee and away I go...

Two saturday's ago I went out and did a hard and hilly x-country run for 15.2miles on just a coffee. (Although I did find the last two miles short of energy and fluid!)

I think that if you get the right nutrition the rest of the time you will be able to train for a good hour without having breakfast...if not maybe you're letting your body run down too much with not enough nutrition the day before?

Just a thought...

Smiler

[bigreddog]

My understanding is that the difference between the two is pretty minimal - might burn more fat fasted, might go harder if fed, but it isn't huge and comes down as much to personal taste as anything - if I can be bothered I'll have a Red Bull and a Mars bar, but only to annoy Smiler :-)

One thing that has worked for me in the past - quick glass of skim milk absolutely first thing on waking up - protein and carbs give a quick metabolic boost and tide you over until a proper breakfast. Cheap and simple enough to be worth a punt

[DetoxGuru.com]

its different strokes for different folks to be honest , too much food before i go training makes me wanna chunder ,so for me its a bowl of porridge with honey or brown sugar , plus i always neck some rhodiola rosea and cordyceps before i do anything weights/ stamina wise.