What should I eat before an early morning workout?

Answered by Emily Spilko on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 10:52 AM filed under fitness postings
The ideal meal prior to a sunrise workout should consist of a combination of carbohydrates and protein and contain from 150 to 300 calories, says nutritionist Susan Kleiner, Ph.D., R.D., author of Power Eating. "You can have a bowl of cereal with milk, yogurt, or some cottage cheese with fruit and a glass of fruit juice," Kleiner suggests. The combination of carbohydrates and protein will also decrease the catabolic effects—the breaking down of substances such as glucose and amino acids—of exercise. Kleiner says it's best to consume this carb-protein combo about 30 to 90 minutes prior to exercising, but if you work out at dawn, that may be next to impossible. Those who rise and run should "try to maintain a diet containing sixty to sixty-five percent carbohydrates in general, and make sure to eat a well-balanced dinner the night before." In the morning, drink water, sports drinks, fruit juice, or "whatever you can tolerate," says Kleiner. "Something is better than nothing, and being well-hydrated is most important."
 Rating: 4.0/5.0

Follow Us

Explore FitClick
Browse this section for quick links to our calorie counter and other popular diet and fitness features. From diet plans to weight loss programs, FitClick has the content you need to lead a healthy life. Find workout routines, a calorie calculator and more at your source for diet and fitness information.
We have updated our Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018. We have done this in preparation for the EU's new data privacy law, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Please take the time to review our updated documentation by clicking on the Privacy Policy link at the bottom of this page. By continuing to use this service on or after May 25, 2018, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy.