Real Life Fitness Questions Answered

Should I eat prior to my workout in the morning?

Hi Just wondered what I should be eating prior to exercising, or if I should be eating at all! - I get up 4 or 5 morning's a week and do a 50-60 min cardio work out (running, bike & cross trainer). I am currently having a mouthful of a banana as I was told recently I needed to eat something before working out to 'wake up' my metabolism and give me a bit of energy to draw on whilst I am exercising. Is this the right thing to do? or can I for go this in favour of having a Whey Protein shake after exercising? Thanks!

Our expert says...

Hi, 

You are right in consuming a bit of banana prior to exercising in the morning, as quite rightly put, it does ‘wake up’ your metabolism and it also reduces the impact of the overnight fast we experience when we sleep, allowing you to train better. 

I would recommend you stick with the mouthful of banana prior to training and then if you wish, consume perhaps a smaller (1/2 to 2/3rds of normal portion) whey protein shake after.

Ideally, a small contribution to the body before AND after supports training and recovery most effectively. 

Keep up the good work, 

Kelly