If you re someone who likes to work out in the morning you might be wondering what you should have before your workout to help you perform your best In this article we ll share some tips on what to eat and drink before your morning workout so you can feel energized and ready to go .
If you're someone who likes to work out in the morning, you might be wondering what you should have before your workout to help you perform your best. In this article, we'll share some tips on what to eat and drink before your morning workout, so you can feel energized and ready to go.
Table of Contents
Hydration
Before your morning workout, it's important to hydrate. You've been asleep for several hours, and your body needs water to wake up and function properly. Aim to drink at least 16 ounces of water before your workout. If you're someone who sweats a lot during exercise, you may need to drink even more.
In addition to water, you may also want to consider drinking a sports drink that contains electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium that help regulate your body's fluid balance. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes, so a sports drink can help replenish them.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are your body's preferred source of fuel, so it's important to have some carbs in your system before your workout. Aim to eat a small meal or snack that contains carbohydrates about 30 minutes to an hour before you exercise. Some good options include:
- A piece of fruit
- A slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter
- A small bowl of oatmeal
These foods are easy to digest and will give you the energy you need to power through your workout.
Protein
While carbohydrates are important, it's also a good idea to have some protein before your workout. Protein helps repair and rebuild your muscles after exercise, so having some in your system before you start can help prevent muscle damage and soreness.
Some good sources of pre-workout protein include:
- A hard-boiled egg
- A protein shake
- A small serving of Greek yogurt
Just make sure to keep your protein intake moderate, as too much can make you feel sluggish during your workout.
Healthy Fats
While carbohydrates and protein are important, don't forget about healthy fats. Fats provide a slow-burning source of energy, which can help sustain your workout and prevent you from feeling hungry during and after your exercise.
Some good sources of healthy fats include:
- A handful of nuts
- An avocado
- A spoonful of nut butter
Just like with protein, it's important to keep your fat intake moderate, as too much can make you feel weighed down.
Caffeine
Finally, if you're a coffee drinker, you might be wondering if it's okay to have a cup before your morning workout. The answer is yes! In fact, caffeine can help improve your performance by increasing your alertness and reducing your perception of effort.
Just make sure to keep your caffeine intake moderate, as too much can cause jitters and anxiety. Aim for no more than 200-300 milligrams of caffeine before your workout, which is roughly the amount in one 8-ounce cup of coffee.
FAQ
What should I eat before a morning workout to lose weight?
If you're trying to lose weight, it's still important to have some carbohydrates and protein before your workout. Aim for a small meal or snack that contains about 200-300 calories, with a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Some good options include a banana with almond butter, a protein shake with fruit, or a small serving of oatmeal with nuts.
Can I work out on an empty stomach?
While some people prefer to work out on an empty stomach, it's generally not recommended. Your body needs fuel to perform its best, so try to have a small meal or snack before your workout. If you're short on time, a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts can be enough to give you the energy you need to power through your exercise.
How long before my workout should I eat?
Aim to eat a small meal or snack containing carbohydrates and protein about 30 minutes to an hour before your workout. You want to give your body enough time to digest the food, but not so much time that you start to feel hungry or low on energy.
Conclusion
Before your morning workout, make sure to hydrate with water and consider a sports drink with electrolytes. Eat a small meal or snack containing carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, and keep your caffeine intake moderate. With these tips, you'll be ready to crush your workout and feel great all day long.
