Eating / Weightlifting...?

Question

This is hard for me to decide...

Should I eat a protein bar or some other energy food a half hour before a workout?

On one hand, I am giving myself the energy I need to have a better workout, but on the other, my digestive system is using my energy at the same time I am lifting. What is better, no eating 1-3 hours before lifting, or eating a small snack, (definitely not a meal), 10-30 minutes before lifting?

Answer 1

You should eat a high protein food or beverage 45-60 minutes before weight training. After weight training you should eat a balanced meal of protein, carbs and healthy fats to fuel muscle repair. If you are hungry during training you are not eating enough to keep your blood sugar high enough to train properly. Avoid protein bars if you can, because they are not much different than a candy bar.

Answer 2

A small protein/energy bar 20 to 30 minutes before weight lifting would be good.

Answer 3

Everyone's stomach handles stuff a bit differently, but I would rec complex carbs within 45 minutes previous to lifting. ALSO- eat protein within 30 minutes FOLLOWING the lifting. Your muscles need good fuel to rebuild from a hard workout.

If eating 45min before bothers your stomach...try a little less or try an hour before. You will find the right balance....

Answer 4

Its better to eat a heathly high carb meal about 1-3 hours before lifting. Eating a protien bar 10-30 mins before you work out is not really going to help you that much because your body hasent have enough time to absorb the nutrients.

Answer 5

I would actually suggest eating closer to 45 minutes before a workout, depending on what you're eating. If you need the energy, consider a semi-carby snack, like fruit or grains. Thsi will give you healthy, natural energy to work off @ the gym, and it will keep your glycogen level somewhat normal. After the gym, if you do resistance training, have a protien bar like a half-hour afterwards or so. then eat sensible later on as you normally do.

Everyone is different. Experiment until you find out what works for you!

Answer 6

I would encourage 30 min before to eat a complex carb. (healthy carbs that are natural to nature) Like a bananna, baked potato or fruit. The sugars in complex carbs provide the additional energy, and will burn off easy. Then after your work out add proteins. Of course you should have a lot of protein in a day, but expecially while your muscles are healing.

Pick up some books, and talk to your fellow weightlifters.

Answer 7

Your body burns more calories the 30 minutes fololowing eating. So, if you are also trying to loose weight eat first. But, if you are only trying to gain muscle, then don't work out till more than an hour after eating. Best wishes

Answer 8

Take alot of carbs and protien meals before working out, about an hour or hour and a half. I usually take glucose too, dextrose powder, it helps me alot, and I combine it w/ creatine for endurance

Answer 9

eat pasta 2-3 hours before weightlifting,carbs will help you strenghten the areas faster

Answer 10

just try some enrergic foods
try swimming, use SaLADS, and more water, with a 1 or 2 hours walking morning or evening or both, and jogging if u can, after one month reply me
Regards,
Vikas Kumar,
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