Eat *before* going to gym?

[CountryWannabe]

I was always told that one should not eat before working out. We go to the gym early morning, which entails getting up pretty early (for my taste, anyway). We usually eat a protein breakfast (usually an egg and some cheddar cheese or meat or chicken in a low carb wrap) afterwards in the car as I take my husband to work.

However, today I felt rather lightheaded during the swimming portion of my plan and had to quit. After I had eaten I felt much better. I did not take my blood sugar before leaving home (that time thing again) I am a diabetic, but generally well-controlled on a low carb diet.

I was wondering if you guys could tell me if it is still advised not to eat before exercise? I am wondering if sipping a protein shake during the workout might help?

Mary

[Wolf mom]

I would think that diabetes takes priority over exercise. I'm not diabetic, but I think that's more important than eating before exercising. Maybe you just have to try different things to see what works for your body.

I have a friend that takes her test kit with her wherever she goes. Can you take your blood sugar in the car?

[CountryWannabe]

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

Can you take your blood sugar in the car?

That would not be advisable. My husband doesn't drive. I am the chauffeuse. LOL

Today I got a small test kit to carry in my purse. If I start to feel "off" I will be able to do a quick check.

Mary

[moonspirit]

I always thought its best to eat a bit before going to the gym. I read once after eating your metabolism speeds up a bit causing you to burn it off faster. I could be wrong but this is just what I read.

Also when I don't eat and then go to the gym I don't have as much energy.

[braidsandboots]

A, eat something before you workout. That being bad is a myth.

B, sipping a protein shake while you workout is 100% okay and many top trainers actually advise it for heavy lifting workouts.

[CountryWannabe]

Thanks, guys. I had a grapefruit juice before leaving yesterday, and I did feel a lot better during the workout. I need to get some whey and egg protein powder to make a shake to sip. As this is all new to me it is a new learning curve.

Mary

[DoubleBee]

I work out early, so I eat a little container of fat free yogurt before I go. When I get home, I eat a small breakfast, then after an hour or so I ride my bike for 4 miles.

[Pink_Carnation]

A small snack is a good idea before workout but not a lot of food. With a big meal your body wants to focus on digestion not exercise. With a small snack you can help make sugar more available for your muscles to use during the exercise. Anyone with blood sugar issues needs to maintain the balance 1st then worry about what is 'best' for exercise.

[CountryWannabe]

Originally Posted by DoubleBee

I work out early, so I eat a little container of fat free yogurt before I go.

Yes, we work out early too, before DH goes to work. I can't eat those yoghurts and such, they all have way too many carbs for me. I had V8 juice the last couple of days. That seemed to hit the spot.

Mary