How do you eat around lifting sessions?

#discuss #lifting #nutrition #questions

Dec 10, 2020 ・Updated on Sep 22 ・1 min read

Discussion (13)

I'll lift early (before I start work) If I eat anything at all, it's usually a boiled egg or a small amount of raisins. Most of the time though, I'll lift (and train) on an empty stomach, I always feel like I have more energy and focus.

After a training session, cold shower - decaf coffee, scrambled eggs, avocado with a gluten-free slice of bread and any protein that I can get my hands on, I just try and eat a good amount of natural protein during the day with some complex carbs.

I usually stop eating at about 6-7 pm, go without food until I have finished training the next morning.

Nick Taylor (he/him) • Dec 11 '20

I can train on empty stomach if it’s cardio or light weights, but anything else I just run out of gas.

Lee Wynne • Dec 11 '20

I often wonder whether it is anything to do with my build as I am naturally slim and find it really hard to gain muscle, my body just seems to want to get rid of it.

Keith • Dec 10 '20

I've been working out when I wake up.

Wake Up
Take Pre-Workout (C4 Ultimate by Cellucor)
Lift
Go for a Run
Shower
Have a post-workout protein shake

I haven't really found much of a difference working out fasted or with food. Just get hungry afterwards which the protein shake helps with.

Lee Wynne • Dec 11 '20

How's about the rest of the day? Do you purposely target as much protein as possible?

Keith • Dec 11 '20

Rest of the day tends to be "normal". I try to follow the whatever fits your macros method and generally target 35% protein, 35% carbs & 30% fat for my macros.

Weekends tend to be a little wonky which I'm trying to work on.

Lee Wynne • Dec 11 '20

Wonky weekends is definitely something I am working on too!

Valentin Baca • Dec 16 '20 • Edited

I find that I can't lift on a completely empty stomach but obviously eating a full meal doesn't work either.

So I generally go with "one" thing: a hardboiled egg; or fruit like banana, apple, or orange.

Afterward I follow-up with a packed protein shake: powder, lactose-free milk, plus either frozen berries, banana, or peanut butter.

Edit: Being lactose-intolerant makes it hard to find good protein powders and they're more expensive, but I've settled on this one: PlantFusion Complete Plant Based Pea Protein Powder

Lee Wynne • Dec 16 '20

Brilliant, thanks for those powder recommendations 👊🏼

Nick Taylor (he/him) • Dec 11 '20

I do HIIT training Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7am, so I wake up at 5.50am and have a coffee and protein bar to start the day. Post workout, I typically have oat milk with protein powder.