[Sabrina]

I'm aspiring to return to gym next week. I go quite early (just after 7am). So I would have breakfast before going. By the time I was finished gym I would be ravenous. So I thought I would just skip breakfast and have it after gym (at about 10am). Good idea or not?

I would say bad idea as this can cause you to faint, Please think very careful about this.x

[lynn P.]

I agree Buttercup and good for you ((Sabrina)) for returning to the gym. After going all night without food or liquids it wouldn't be good to go without breakfast. I recommend eating a nice bowl of oatmeal and you can add some sliced banana and nuts or anything else you like and a drink of your choice. After exercise have a protein snack like yogurt or anything else that's protein. Protein helps your muscles recover from exercise. Later on you can have a nice lunch. Drink plenty of water as well. Good luck at the gym and sending good vibes your way.

[eskielover]

Good job Sabrina.....returning to the gym will be so good for you...I am so proud of you getting back into doing that for yourself.

I agree with Lynn. It's important to have some food for the energy you need to do your exercise & stick to the ribs oatmeal is probably a very good idea...not so much that you get sick while exercising, but definitely need the food for energy so you don't pass out. After exercise, the protein drink or something to fill up your stomach without the carbohydrates will be healthier & will help with the muscle building.

I was always bad.....when I played an hour+ of racquettball at lunch with the guys at work, I would NOT eat either before or after & by the afternoon, I would be desperate for something to eat in order to keep my mind going & able to think through what I was working on.

[Sabrina]

I know eating before exercising is the right thing to do. It's just that I get sooo hungry after gym and according to the eating plan I am on, except for a really small fruit, which does nothing to fill hunger, I am not supposed to eat again until lunch. So I thought of delaying things a little. But I guess the sensible thing to do is have some bran cereal before gym. Then I will have a yoghurt after gym which is all my milk allowances for the day. So no coffee later Unless I have it black which is just plain yuck!

[Inedible]

What kind of diet are you on?

[Sabrina]

It's a structured eating plan concentrating on controlling carbs / proteins / fats / vegetables and fruits. It's South African - called "Weigh-Less". It's a lifestyle really, or at least that is the way I try to look at it rather than call it a diet.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by Sabrina

It's a structured eating plan concentrating on controlling carbs / proteins / fats / vegetables and fruits. It's South African - called "Weigh-Less". It's a lifestyle really, or at least that is the way I try to look at it rather than call it a diet.

I think we have a similar well known plan here in N. America called Weight Watchers. I agree its not really a diet but teaches how to eat healthy. I decided to be aware of eating better after my mother got a series of strokes that eventually ended her life. She was a slim woman but liked butter, the fat on meats, smoked, never exercised and drank alcohol(not everyday). The problem is, she had clogged arteries, even though she looked slim.

I'm not militant but just aware and I still have treats and the occasional not healthy meal. I don't want to end up having a stroke and hope that my opposite lifestyle will help. I admire you ((Sabrina)) for trying this. Did you manage to go to the gym today?

[anna342]

I reguarly exercise in the morning with an empty stomach, there always has been some ideas around that it's actually quite good for you. Not sure if it's backed up by evidence though. But I've never fainted and felt quite good for having done it first thing in the morning.

I'd say if you didn't want to eat properly before, but are worried, perhaps just have like half a banana or something on your way there or when you wake up.

I think unless you are really going for it at the gym, running for an hour or something, it should be ok.

[silver_queen]

Personally I would have something light before exercise, like a yoghurt, and then a banana after exercise to replace carbs and also potassium to avoid cramp.

[Sabrina]

I used to have a yoghurt before gym just to make sure I had something in my stomach but would be very very hungry by the time I finished gym. That's ok though because after gym I'll have some cereal or fruit and just grin and bear it until lunch.

PS, I haven't been the to the gym yet, my intentions were good though

[wing]

I like to exercise about 2 hrs after getting up, and usually go to the gym on an empty stomach. I've started having a small snack beforehand and it hasn't affected my "workout" much. I also tried having a soda before I go, and I think that helps the most. From what people here have said, I guess it's not good to have a sweet drink before exercising, but I've found it gives me energy and hydration. Afterwards I drink 2 huge cups of calorie free flavored water and my stomach feels full. All I do at the gym is walk 3 miles and do weights, though. I don't know what works for a strenuous workout.

Start slow, Sabrina. It took me 6 months to work up to three miles, but any exercise is better than none, right? I ignore all those women in Spandex!

[Fresia]

I'm not sure what is allowed in your plan but a trainer at one point recommended at least having a banana and some nuts before a workout in the morning because of the potassium/carbs in it and then a little protein, helped with energy and will help muscles recover afterwards. It would stave off any lightheadedness during and then afterward there were no serious hunger cravings either.

I hope this is going well for you. Small changes are lasting changes, building into it, and not to do too much at once. Good luck!