To keep a consistent weight trianing programme, it looks like I need to change to working out first thing as opposed to evenings.

Any suggestions about what I should eat before and how long before starting to work out? Also post workout meal (Breakfast).


Hiit Man

Ps I am about to start bulking .

Have alight meal, a smoothie, juice, protein shake, some oatmeal, whatever you can stomach. But light not a full breakfast. A cup of coffee may help as well. I used to workout 20-30 minutes after this and had no problems either with digestion or energy levels. That said I'm not a morning person so always felt sluggish for first 15 minutes or so.

Warmup well, maybe taking some extra time. Also don't be disappointed if you lifting suffers at first but you will aclimatise quickly. Afterwards have your post workout meal and then have a proper breakfast later. I used to have it at my desk in work.

I always used to just drink a lot of water for my morning workouts. The strength never felt quite as good, but I'm not sure that it necessarily means that the muscle is getting worked any less.

Definitely eat something light first thing in the morning. Your body is in a catabolic state at that point so some oatmeal and a scoop of protein would do. Drink water also because your body dehydrates during sleep. Post workout should be your whey shake with high GI carbs followed by a clean whole food meal approximately 30 minutes to an hour afterward to take advantage of that "window of opportunity".

Of course this is ideal, but I have trouble with appetite after an intense workout so my whole food meal is relatively small. Sometimes just some brown rice and chicken/tuna or when I'm really lazy, I substitute a half an MRP.

I work out at 6am each day and all I have before hand is water and my vitamins. I only take the vitamins then because it is the only time I remember to do so. I have not had any problems with not eating before hand but I am cutting not bulking.

To keep a consistent weight trianing programme, it looks like I need to change to working out first thing as opposed to evenings.

Any suggestions about what I should eat before and how long before starting to work out? Also post workout meal (Breakfast).


Hiit Man

Ps I am about to start bulking .

Cup of coffee and a bagel before lifting early in the morning. Then constant water throughout the day. All you have to do is just get the "fire" started, nothing fancy. Nothing else than an energy bar.

You're bulking so you need to train with a lot of intensity, eat a lot of food, and get plenty of rest. I know everyone is different but I wouldn't be able to train with as much intensity early in the morning with just an energy bar or whatever - especially if I was planning on moving some serious weight. Try different methods out and see what works for you. If your workout is suffering, eat more prior to working out.

I lift in the mornings on most of my lifting days... my breakfast lately.

3 pieces of toast (good bread though)
2 eggs over easy
4 oatmeal/egg/protein powder pancakes

It totals to about 700 cals. I eat it about an hour before I lift and I always feel awesome. When you get up in the morning, you have basically burned through your glycogens supplies. I say feed your body like a maniac (if you are bulking) if you lift in the morning as long as you aren't going to get sick.