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What to Eat Before Working Out

What to Eat (and When) Before Working Out

April 10, 2013

Source: Thinkstock

7 / 8

by Michele Foley 5

Immediately Before a Workout

If you haven't eaten in awhile, don't skip out on food — even if you're just about to head into the gym, says Heidi. Your body will need the energy to power through whatever vigorous workout you put it through. Restrict this snack to simple carbs (up to 15 grams), and keep it light: seven to nine jellybeans, an eight-ounce sport drink, or one slice of white bread should do the trick. The key is to stick to simple sugars that won't cause digestive discomfort midway through your workout.

7 / 8

by Michele Foley 5

Immediately Before a Workout

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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 10 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 10 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!