As of right now, I’m multitasking. Blogging on the treadmill is one of my new favorite things to do. Some might say I’m nuts or being too dangerous, but I’ll take that chance. If I’m walking on the treadmill, I get incredibly bored. If I’m walking outside, I can’t stop thinking about work and what I need to get done. This way, I’m killing two birds with one stone. (metaphorically, I’d never be able to kill a bird)
I have had a lot of people ask me…”what do you eat before a workout.” I’m not a professional, but I can tell you what I do. And keep in mind that everyone’s body is different and performs different with different foods. (wow so many difference shoved into one sentence) I’ve done a lot of trial and error. But it all comes down to which workout I’m going to do. Working out on an empty stomach isn’t ideal for me. Personally, I don’t think it’s safe to workout without fueling your body. Some people would argue and there are a ton of articles written about the subject, but I’ll never be one of the empty stomach gym goers.
Your body is a lot smarter than you think. If you don’t give it fuel, it goes into “survival mode.” Protein is stollen from the muscle, and your body will start losing its muscle. Muscle is gorgeous and robbing the body of proper nutrition before a workout will slow your metabolism, and prevent your body from performing it’s best. I used to be one of those girls who thought eating before a workout would make you fat and defeat the purpose, but that only made me look like a stick and it wasn’t healthy. Plus, fuel gives you energy and energy is what gives your workout the kick ass status.
So don’t be afraid to eat that that delicious breakfast, drink that refreshing water, and smile before going to the gym! It’ll make you a happy campy in the long run. I don’t recommend eating globs of pancakes, bacon, and eggs before a workout because it’ll most likely make you sick, wait until afterwards for that.
I’ve mentioned in previous posts about my “juicing” abilities. I love that juice is full of nutrients, and how convenient it is when you don’t have time to sit and eat a billion fruits and vegetables. I like to drink my juice with breakfast. I feel like my workouts are so much more energetic after a nutritious juice. (with breakfast of course) Drinking 8-12 ounces of juice is better on my stomach before a workout rather than eating all of that fiber and or heavy produce.
The juice I had this morning before my workout consisted of: 3 large carrots, 1 medium tomato, 3 large celery stalks, 10 large strawberries, 1 medium cucumber, 1 green apple, and 1 lemon without the peel.
I like to eat breakfast before my workout and then again after my workouts. Instead of one big giant breakfast, I eat two medium sized breakfasts. One of my favorites is scrambled eggs. It’s quick to make, full of protein, healthy fats, and magically delicious.
-In a pan on high, add 1-2 cups of fresh spinach with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Continue to stir the spinach until the leaves are lightly wilted and the spinach turns dark green. You don’t want the spinach to cook down too much or you’ll lose too many nutrients.
-When the spinach is cooked, add 2 large eggs and 2 large egg whites to the pan. Cook on medium high until the eggs are done!
-Mix in 3 tablespoons of fresh organic parmesan cheese.
I usually seat my scramble with a piece of whole grain toast, but I haven’t gone to the store yet. Bananas are also a favorite carbohydrate source for workouts. I served the parmesan scramble with fresh peaches, pineapple, and strawberry!
This usually fuels me for a good 45 minute workout. After my workout, I usually have a couple hard boiled eggs and oatmeal.
So, please please please workout responsibly and eat before you sweat! I love working out, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without proper fuel and hydration. Food is your friend and your body depends on it.
Sophie says
This looks great! I’m just getting into juicing and getting used to the green taste…
Also, I love how you’ve updated your ‘About’ page, it takes balls to tell everyone what happened and you’re a stronger and more beautiful person for it. Can’t wait to read how Charlotte treats you 🙂 x
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much, Sophie!
I had to start adding fruits into the green juices until i got used to the juice too! It helps to chug away 🙂
shayna says
sQNboZl7jokl Basic peanut butter on whole grain toast is my go to, especially when I’m going for a run. I also have a banana after every workout. I’ll try the eggs & fruit tho to see if there is a difference in my energy level.
Courtney says
During inpatient treatment for my eating disorder, we did an activity where we cleared our Facebooks, etc of anything that may be triggering. I removed your blog from my life for a long time, and have recently been reading again (playing with fire?). I have been pleasantly surprised, and I am really happy for you. It is evident that you are challenging yourself and are committed to your health and happiness, and I can very much relate to that. Be kind to yourself 🙂
Livi says
I love a good veggie juice in the morning! When I don’t feel like eating a ton of vegetables, this does just the trick!
Taralynn McNitt says
It really does and I always feel so great during the day!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
I prefer to eat before working out as well. I usually wake up ready for breakfast, so the thought of doing an intense workout before that sounds terrible. Like you said, what I eat depends on the workout, but I love overnight oats or a Greek yogurt bowl! Post-workout might be a Greek yogurt bowl with banana and pb or some eggs!
Louise says
Thank you for this post! I recently hit my goal weight of 130lbs (down from 196!) & am having a hard time finding my balance when running.
I recently started working out again (I didn’t run for about 8 months while focusing on my food addiction) and I’m running 7-10 miles/day, 4 days/week, burning around 1,000-1,600 each run- and yet I still haven’t eaten before a run & am having a hard time eating anything in addition to my normal food plan for fear of gaining weight (sounds crazy, I know!).
Your thoughts/experience are very helpful.
Thank you!
Elisabeth says
Louise – please do start incorporating more fuel into your diet. When you are running between 28-40 miles a week, you need to eat more, or your performance will suffer. In fact, most distance runners eat DURING their training runs (gu or gels or energy chews) if the run is anything longer than 90 minutes. Personally, when I am training, I don’t even run 5 miles without having a small snack beforehand. .
If you don’t eat enough while running you won’t be able to achieve your maximum speed and distance. Also, you may develop extremely low blood sugar/blood pressure and feel ill. Running should feel fun, not like you’re dying! You don’t get any extra calorie burn by suffering more, you get it by being stronger and faster. Take care of yourself!
PS unrelated to diet, but consider mixing up your run schedule – running 7-10 miles every day is great, but to increase your fitness run something like 7/3/Rest/12-15/3/Rest/5
Becky says
I used to be one of those people who thought that you shouldn’t eat before a workout…reading your blog has changed my mind completely.
It totally makes sense that your body works better with fuel but when you’re “dieting”, there are so many things that you try to avoid or focus on way to much…not that I need to tell you that.
One of my favorite pre-workout fuels is my sunshine smoothie: frozen mango, pineapple, almond milk and 1-2 tbsp instant oats. It’s yellow and gives you energy, that’s why I named it after the sun 🙂
My other go-to is just a banana, the sweeter the better!
As post-workout snack I love fat free Quark (which is kinda like fat free greek yogurt) with some frozen berries, stevia and almonds (=instant healthy froyo 😀 ).
I basically try to get some good carbs before and protein after. BUT I can’t workout hard without proper breakfast. Let’s be honest, I can’t do anything without a good breakfast – it’s my favorite meal of the day! After getting up I head straight for the kitchen and start to prepare my food!
NJ says
My workouts have been a million times better since I started eating beforehand. I used to run in the morning on an empty stomach because I didn’t want to be “too full,” but I have so much more energy when I fuel first. This is even more important if you’re doing heavy resistance training – you need to get protein in so that those muscles can start repairing themselves immediately after you lift.
Love the updated story. Congratulations on taking a brave step. I think the future holds great things for you!
Shannon says
Man- I’m sad that all those veggies and fruit make such little juice. Is that just me? I don’t think I could afford an all juice diet that some people do.
And I freaking love your latest post. Yes, I just went “fangirl” in your comment section.
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh, goodness! I forgot too mention that this was only 1/3 of the juice. I had chugged the other before putting it into that mason jar for the pictures. It makes a lot more! I promise! Almost too much.
Danae Adams says
Thank so much for this post. I used to feel guilty for eating twice before and after a workout, but it makes sense that your body need to replenish the fuel lost while working out with good things. I have been reading your blog off and on for about a year now and I love it, you inspire me with your life and your love for food and fitness all at the same time. Thanks for sharing so much with your followers.
Allison says
Hey Tara!
Sorry this is kind of random, but I have been a pescetarian for 10 years, and am considering adding chicken back in to my diet. I would love to hear how you did it, and any tips or advice you might have!
Thanks!
Mariah says
Thanks for the advice! I usually workout on an empty stomach, but sometimes I feel like my workouts would be better if I had fueled before. I always struggle with how soon I should eat before my workout. Sometimes I cramp up if I ate before a run. What do you do/what would you recommend? Thanks! 🙂
Emmie says
Hey Mariah!
I cramp up easily when I eat before runs too. For me, keeping complex grains out of it is key (too much fiber before a run usually gives me cramps likely because my body is working on digesting it!). I’ve found that some plain non-fat greek yogurt with some berries gives me the perfect combo of carbs, a little healthy sugar, and some protein without overdoing it.
Holly says
Thanks for posting this!! I’ve always been confused about eating/not eating before a workout. This helps a bunch!!
Abbey says
Hi Tara! I’m new to juicing. Wondering if you put whole tomato, or apple in juicer? Or get rid of the core and seeds. Thank you, looking forward to trying your recipes! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi! I always get rid of the apple seeds, but keep all the seeds in the tomato!
Elise says
Hey Taralynn,
I’ve heard a lot of different opinions. I know you’re not a professional and that everybody is different, but how long after you eat do you workout? What the timing that works best for you?
Thanks!
Taralynn McNitt says
I usually wait about 45 minutes, or until I don’t have that “full” feeling!
Lucy says
I was just wondering what you’d suggest eating before working out for me… I find that if I eat too close to working out I feel really gross. And I work out before I go into work at 7:00 am, so I don’t really have time to let my food settle. Any suggestions? Love your blog. 🙂
Natalie says
Hi! Loving the blog. It makes my tummy growl with all your yummy pictures. I was wondering…do you blog full time or do you work aswell and if so what do you do? Keep up the great work!!
Gabriela says
looks perfect! I absolutely love your page 🙂
Do you have a Vitamix or Juicer?
paije says
After reading this article, I started to eat something small before I workout. I never did before because I sometimes get stomache cramps. But as long as I stick to something light, I feel great! Thanks for the advice Taralynn!
Alexis says
I really need to start juicing more. I am moving soon and the people I will be living with have a grade A juicer that they never use. I will definitely be taking advantage of this.
Erin says
Hi Taralynn,
I’m curious if you use a photo editing software or photoshop to add text to your photos. I always love the fonts you use for graphics. I’m looking for something quick and easy to use for my own personal use. Any insight would be wonderful, thank you!
Best,
Erin
Lindsey Redding says
I absolutely love your blog! I also eat before working out. I always felt sick to my stomach if I didn’t. But I have one question.. How long do you wait after eating that meal to work out? I’ve been told to eat 1 hour before.
Welsey says
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the fantastic work!
Mary says
I juice beets and carrots in the morning and eat egg whites and tomatoes before a workout. Fresh beets give you more energy and my workouts are longer. I wait at least an hour before i workout so the benifits of the juice kicks in. Professional athletes are now jucing beets before workouts. It works. I get mine at the local veggie fruit market twice a week cause it’s just cheaper. Plus I have chickens so i can get fresh eggs daily
Then. Protein Protein Protein. Keeps me full all day.