I'm going to have to start lifting and doing cardio in the mornings due to schedule changes. I typically lift early afternoon which gives me plenty of time for a post workout meal before dinner. Now I'll have to start lifting first thing in the morning. So what should I do? Lift on an empty stomach and eat breakfast right after? Eat a quick breakfast then lift, then eat a post workout meal? Or should I eat half my meal before then the rest after? I typically eat 4 meals a day, so eating both my meals early in the day doesn't seem to make much sense. Or should I just split it into 5 meals, and make them smaller?

I'm currently 141ish, 5'6, around 15%ish BF according to my scale (so inaccurate). My intake is 1600 cals/day, 140-150g of protein. I'm trying to lose those last couple pounds. Input/thoughts are appreciated.

wait... your 141 and trying to lose weight?

Not so much as trying to 'lose weight' as much as I have 5 lbsish of flab around my waist that I'm trying to lose. I'm also a pretty short guy at 5'6, so my 141 may be your 181...or something. I'd guesstimate that I'm in the 15%ish area, based on pictures that I've seen.

not an expert on anything but from what i've gathered you should wait an hour before doing any lifting after eating, that way your digestive system doesn't affect muscle growth due to each needing a good deal of blood/oxygen. and you should have your post workout meal/shake within 30 minutes of finishing lifting.

cardio is much better done without eating, that way the work done goes straight to stored fat and not sugar. and as always, eat 1 hour after you finish to get the most out of it. make sure to drink a lot of water during this time

hope that helps

I'm going to have to start lifting and doing cardio in the mornings due to schedule changes. I typically lift early afternoon which gives me plenty of time for a post workout meal before dinner. Now I'll have to start lifting first thing in the morning. So what should I do? Lift on an empty stomach and eat breakfast right after? Eat a quick breakfast then lift, then eat a post workout meal? Or should I eat half my meal before then the rest after? I typically eat 4 meals a day, so eating both my meals early in the day doesn't seem to make much sense. Or should I just split it into 5 meals, and make them smaller?

I'm currently 141ish, 5'6, around 15%ish BF according to my scale (so inaccurate). My intake is 1600 cals/day, 140-150g of protein. I'm trying to lose those last couple pounds. Input/thoughts are appreciated.

I wouldnt want to lift weights without lots of carbs in my stomach. My workouts are usually much more productive when I have eaten some pasta or other dense carb source about 30 minutes before.

I avoid fat after working out. The easiest thing for me is to have a shake soon after I am done lifting followed by a full meal an hour or so later.

So I would have a full meal with lots of carbs before and a shake following the weight training.

I guess the best thing for me to do is to eat a small meal (some oatmeal maybe?) and then hit the gym, lift heavy, then come home and eat me some good cottage cheese protein. On cardio days I'll just run on empty, then come home and fill up my tank.

I guess the best thing for me to do is to eat a small meal (some oatmeal maybe?) and then hit the gym, lift heavy, then come home and eat me some good cottage cheese protein. On cardio days I'll just run on empty, then come home and fill up my tank.

Or...

Pre - Fruit & a hard boiled egg
PWO1 - Protein shake & banana
PWO2 - Lean protein and starchy carb source

an hour before (5am) I generally have oatmeal, whey, plain yogourt with fresh fruit usually berries

an hour before (5am) I generally have oatmeal, whey, plain yogourt with fresh fruit usually berries

Now that I like. I can get a yogurt and some protein (a very light meal) then hit the gym, then have my post workout meals like Coachese suggested.

my pre so far has been oatmeal/egg whites with 1 egg, and a grapefruit...post is protein shake with strawberries in it.