Eating pre-early AM wk/outs

Hmmmm. I don't know -- the traditional half bagel and banana doesn't work for you?

In theory, you should be eating something light but with a mixture of carbs and sugars, like fruit on bran flakes or cantelope and a slice of wheat toast.

But, I'm one to talk; even as we speak I'm making my traditional big breakfast: coffee, fruit, tater patties, one egg, wheat toast and some cold cuts and/or cheese. It's tough to digest that much food before a morning workout, but I just get so darn hungry if I don't have a big breakfast that I end up eating too much (and not wisely) the rest of the day.

I'll usually eat a banana and have a cup of chai (mix of chai tea and milk) before an early workout. It doesn't sit heavy in my stomach and gives me pretty good energy. I always have a Luna bar waiting for me for when I'm done.

I've heard the bagel with peanut butter works pretty well, too, but I can't have that much food in my stomach.

Have you tried Carbo loading the night before? I mean if your eating a standard breakfast your body won't absorb it for 3 hours (No absorbtion happens in the stomach and has to pass into the small intestines to be absorbed.) Most energy bars are mixed to be quickly digested and absorbed but if you didnt' eat well the night before a half luna bar aint gonna cut it. Also the first thing that you should always do wheny you get up is drink water. Your body always gets slightly dehydrated at night and needs to be replenished. If your worried aobut cramps maybe you can try drinking it in the form of Cytomax. I used the stuff and never cramped and supposedly it is formulated to not cause cramps.

I work out early in the AM also and typically cannot eat anything before my workout or I'll have problems. I've done the following:

1. Eat a few more carbs than usual the night before - I usually have a muffin or bagel or a high carb breakfast cereal

or

2. I don't seem to have a problem with drinking liquids before my workouts however, I do notice a decreased energy level toward the end of my workouts when drinking something like gatorade which is comprised of simple sugars. What I've found works for me is Hammer HEED - it's a liquid comprised of complex carbs and is easy to digest. It doesn't give you the peak and valley effect but provides a more consistent, sustainable level of energy.

Eric

I hate eating before a session also, but have found toast nad yoghurt sit well and give enough fuel for an hour or so.

Mel-

I swear by oatmeal. Eat it hot, mix it with yogurt, add some fruit, you can even add it to a protein shake.

It works for me on race days, workout days, and at 3pm during the work week!

I usually have a half of bagel with some peanut butter as well, and I keep a couple of water bottles handy to stay hydrated pre/during/and post workout. Sports drinks in the morning upset my stomach.

-j

Hmmm. I may have to try that.
Thanks, Eric

I don't usually work out in the morning, but when I do go for long rides early on the weekends, a Blueberry muffin seems to hold me over for the first 20 miles and a powergel for the second 20 pulls me through. Also think about a banana (easy on the stomach) or a quick bowl of instant oatmeal. can be made in under a minute with a microwave.

I typically try to eat a lot before I got to bed and then in the morning I will have an Ensure drink which carries a few calories and some vitamins and minerals.