Eating before a workout

[Andario]

I was wondering what the best time to eat before a workout is. Is it a good idea to eat something small? If you eat right before training will you be burning that food for energy instead of burning fat?

[Rahf]

I was wondering what the best time to eat before a workout is. Is it a good idea to eat something small? If you eat right before training will you be burning that food for energy instead of burning fat?

No, you will not burn that food for energy. When working out you could technically say that you're using the energy from the food you ate the day before.

How well you perform is very individual, some want to eat an hour before and feel satiated when working out. Personally I feel better training on an empty stomach. Trial and error mate.

[Andario]

Thanks, Rahf. Is there any type of food that might be better fuel, if I like to eat that hour before a workout? Or is that also personal preference and trial and error?

[Rahf]

Thanks, Rahf. Is there any type of food that might be better fuel, if I like to eat that hour before a workout? Or is that also personal preference and trial and error?

It'd be a good idea to eat something that does not upset your stomach all that much. Smaller portions is also something to prefer since having a filled stomach won't make you perform better.

Remember, that energy does not affect your performance during workout.

[Andario]

Remember, that energy does not affect your performance during workout.

Could you please explain this a little more?

[Rahf]

Could you please explain this a little more?

Your muscles work on an energy system known as glycogen. Glycogen is essentially long strains of carbohydrates that unravel themselves and provide fast energy for your muscle cells. To replenish glycogen you eat carbohydrates and this process takes abit longer than just that hour before working out. Also, if your levels are pretty satiated (a normal human being stores 200-500 grams of glycogen, endurance and big muscled athletes typically have a higher threshhold).

Completely emptied glycogen stores (rare if you are not an endurance athlete) take anywhere between 20-48 hours to fully replenish.

[Andario]

So...I need to stop having a preoccupation with food for (immediate) energy requirements, and stop using hunger as an excuse to delay exercise, when I'm actually just too lazy. That clears that up. Thanks again, Rahf. Now I just need to address my motivation problems.

[Seven]

Haha, thanks, that was enlightening. So fatigue is primarily the result of an overall unhealthy diet (workout aside) rather than an empty stomach? I wish I knew this sooner, thanks again dude. :wink:

[Rahf]

Haha, thanks, that was enlightening. So fatigue is primarily the result of an overall unhealthy diet (workout aside) rather than an empty stomach? I wish I knew this sooner, thanks again dude. :wink:

Glycogen is not the only contributor to fatigue or the feeling of being "worn out". You could feel dead tired and pull personal bests or perform extremely well during a tricking session. At the same time you could feel about to explode with energy and perform horribly when it comes to performance.

Alot of things have to click before you are at your peak performance, glycogen is an important part but don't stare yourself blind at it.

[Seven]

Note taken. Personally I'm just eating an over all healthy diet for optimum nutrition so I don't really have anything to worry about.

Also, would you recommend any websites or references for learning about ATP/burning energy?

[Rahf]

Google is your friend for that question, I'm heading back to the sauna.

What do you need to know about ATP?

[Andario]

Haha, thanks, that was enlightening. So fatigue is primarily the result of an overall unhealthy diet (workout aside) rather than an empty stomach? I wish I knew this sooner, thanks again dude. :wink:

Nothing was said about fatigue being the primary result of unhealthy diets (in this thread), although it does not help. I eat quite well, I'd just still rather be sitting on my ass than doing some actual work most of the time, which needs to be addressed immediately. Energy for exercise (provided good diet), is largely due to motivational factors resulting from a desire to improve. My problem is that if conditions don't perfectly suit me I usually put things off until later. This is obviously muy mal for all aspects of life.

[Seven]

Haha, It's ALL discipline man. I have been through that same shit for years till now. Hell, my resolve may die anytime. : /

Just gotta look at what's most important and fully realize how much you actually want it. I ussually think about tricking in that manner each day before a session or gym workout and it seems to be doing a great job. Good luck man.

As for what I said about fatigue. I thought it was relative to what you guys were talking about in reference to the fact that performance in a workout isn't primarily/directly related to your post workout meal but rather your overall diet. (correct me if I'm wrong)

[Seven]

Google is your friend for that question, I'm heading back to the sauna.

What do you need to know about ATP?

Actually I take that back, found what I needed to know, thanks. :juji:

[Andario]

Yeah, overall healthy diet is definitely a must, you are correct. You have any tips for maintaining motivation beyond your last post?

[Seven]

Aside from that I just try to stick to a tricking environment. Frequenting TT keeps me motivated or inspires me most of the time. Other than that and talking about tricks with friends is really all I have. I just see Tricking as a pinnacle in physical expression and balanced perforance (as your not just simply increasing your capability to lift heavier things as a Body Builder does for example, but UTILIZING every capability of our bodies in terms of strength, agility, power, speed..etc) Utilizing my physical gains towards expressing my body in an art form/dance and developing a body to mind sync simply blows my mind. But naturally, physical and mental perfection have always been my goals, So it may just be easier for me.

[Rahf]

Maintaining motivation is about finding the good points about training and making their significance greater, no matter how small they are.

For me, maintaining motivation is about the feeling of pain and hurt. If I can walk another day without feeling a certain pain, that keeps me motivated. If I can walk without limping, that keeps me motivated. Not all days are like that though.

[Andario]

Thanks a lot. I empathize with both of you; Seven for ultimate bodily expression, and Rahf for easing pain. I will try to keep in mind my ultimate goals, as well as immediate goals whenever I feel like something can just "wait for another day." Sun is going to set soon, I'm going to go finish off my aerial attempts. I'm so damn close, I can't understand why I waited all day to go outside and work them. My tricking career is just getting started. It would be incredibly lame of me to not put in hard work if I truly want to achieve something.

[Aiden Bloodaxe]

MOTIVATION FTW!!!

[mistform]

I know a guy who would eat a bowl of sun flower seeds mixed with ranch dressing (almost like a pudding/cereal thing). He also had a high protein diet, etc. He went from 170lbs to 220 in a single summer before his Junior year in high school.

What good is the sun flower seeds and ranch dressing? I don't know if he took it before/after/during his workout, but I know he ate it.

[Rahf]

Insane amounts of fiber and a high amount of fat I reckon. Unless you chew the seeds, they'll just pass right through you and come out on the other end.

He'd end up with the same results if he got the same amount of energy from some other foodsource.

[Aiden Bloodaxe]

I know a guy who would eat a bowl of ROIDS mixed with ranch dressing (almost like a pudding/cereal thing). He also had a high protein diet, etc. He went from 170lbs to 220 in a single summer before his Junior year in high school.

What good is the ROIDS and ranch dressing? I don't know if he took it before/after/during his workout, but I know he ate it.

:amazed:

[Kitosho]

delicious bowl of roids