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What to Eat Before Working Out

What to Eat (and When) Before Working Out

April 10, 2013

Source: Thinkstock

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by Michele Foley 5

When it comes to working out, it's important to feel energized, but it's not always as simple as grabbing a snack on your way out the door. Eating too close to exercise is a recipe for discomfort, but heading to the gym hungry isn't ideal either.

To learn how to maximize the potential of a workout, I spoke with nutritionist Heidi Skolnik, MS, CDN, FACSM, and author of Nutrient Timing for Peak Performance ($19) to find out what to eat and when, before heading to the gym.

1 / 8

by Michele Foley 5

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5 Comments

imLissy 1 year 44 weeks

because fruit takes longer to digest. The idea is that If you're going to eat just a few minutes before a workout, you need carbs right away.though I'll eat about 15 minutes before my workout and I'll have a couple spoonfuls of outmeal or something and I'm just fine for an hour

Pursy 1 year 45 weeks

I have to admit I was a little surprised to see experts recommending white bread or purely sugar-based foods right before a workout. Why not fruit? It's sweet and offers sugar and carbs.

Sinazucar 4 years 9 weeks

I like eating no less than two hours before I exercise, so I can directly burn fat and not the food I just ate. Ideally if I have time, I exercise right after waking up before eating.

almostloli 4 years 9 weeks

i love milk that is specially formulated for exercise (which contains L carnitine or CLA) just enough calories and protein we need usually they taste good too!

mands10 4 years 9 weeks

It's hard for me to find the right snack to eat before my work out. I usually rush right from work to the gym and I end up feeling so sluggish-and when I do eat something, it usually upsets my stomach mid way through my work out. These tips are going to come in handy, thank you!