I
get asked this question a lot by people who think if they do not eat
breakfast in the morning prior to working out, they will lose weight
faster. I know there is differing opinions on this subject, but here
is mine and what I tell my clients.
If
you don't eat before you train, your performance will suffer at
higher intensities and longer durations. When you wake up, your
body is in a fasted state. You might have trouble just turning on
your television without a cup of coffee, so you can't expect to
perform your best without fueling up and hydrating first.
If
you are not hungry in the morning it could be a sign that your
metabolism is too slow or you are eating too late at night. If
eating early upsets your stomach, experiment with different foods
that are easy to digest rather than skipping breakfast entirely.
Start with a small bowl of oatmeal or two slices of sprouted grain
toast with a tablespoon of Almond or Peanut butter. Hydrate with a 8
to 16 oz glass of filtered water or coconut water. Aim for 30 to 60
grams of carbohydrates for breakfast with 10 to 20 grams of protein
and a little healthy fat to balance off your meal.
The
body just wants fuel in the morning, whether it is a meal or a
protein drink or whatever form you like. What matters is getting the
nutrients necessary to support your training session. Make it a
habit and you will stay focused and power through your workout,
increase your strength and power, and burn more calories during your
session.
