[planetfuzz]

Would it be ok to just have a protein shake before a workout? Especially if you've eaten a large meal a few hours before. When I have a shake and some carbs I feel very full and my stomach gets upset,especially if I am doing squats or something hard. I have just heard over and over again that you MUST have carbs preworkout. Doesn't your body have enough glucose stored already? Any suggestions? Thanks

[Rugger]

It depends how steady your insulin levels are....
I very rarely eat before I work out. I only do so if I am noticeably tired and or weak.

[OCCFan023]

Your glycogen stores will be largely dependent on your carb intake the past 24 hours, rather than solely one hour pre work out. If you have a large varied meal (p/c or p/c/f) 2-3 hours before hand, than a protein shake directly before will suffice for the pre-workout goal of providing a substrate to limit muscle breakdown during your actual workout.

A lot of individuals have issues with large meals within an hour of working out. Take in your larger meal at your set time, than throw down a protein shake when you want to, and avoid that gastric distress!

[bolt10]

I think carbs are very beneficial before a workout. It depends on what you are eating for carbs so close to a workout. I personally don't like protein shakes that close to a lift and like a whole food meal 1.5-2hours pre-workout then carbs+aminos 15 minutes before

[Boyders]

I usually slam back a cup of egg whites and a cup of oats within an hour of workout. Mine are usually in the morning, not in the afternoon

[EasyEJL]

no such thing as essential carbs, so feel free to avoid

[planetfuzz]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll try not eat carbs immediately before my workout next time. I eat a large breakfast a few hours before I train. I always ate carbs right before working out just because its what I've always done cause I probably read it in some magazine when I first started working out. I have trouble breaking habits.

[pantherdude63]

Originally Posted by planetfuzz

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll try not eat carbs immediately before my workout next time. I eat a large breakfast a few hours before I train. I always ate carbs right before working out just because its what I've always done cause I probably read it in some magazine when I first started working out. I have trouble breaking habits.

I think as long as you dont wake up and train without eating carbs your probably fine as long as youve had a meal or two and ingested carbs. But if you just wake up and train i think you would definitely want to ingest some carbs before hit the weights.

[Nitrox]

Originally Posted by Rugger1

It depends how steady your insulin levels are....

It has nothing to do with your insulin levels.

As mentioned, it depends on your diet and activity before hand.

Part of the discomfort might be related to the aeration in the shake. Why not try having a banana and a glass of water? After all you are looking for fuel for the workout and protein is a crappy fuel.

[pantherdude63]

[quote=Nitrox;1456019]It has nothing to do with your insulin levels.

As mentioned, it depends on your diet and activity before hand.

Part of the discomfort might be related to the aeration in the shake. Why not try having a banana and a glass of water? After all you are looking for fuel for the workout and protein is a crappy fuel.[/QUOTE/]

Good posting bro. I would eat more than just a banana but thats just me.

[planetfuzz]

A banana seems like it would be enough but not too much. All I know is when I do something like squats or deadlifts I feel like crap if there is anything in my stomach.

[pantherdude63]

Originally Posted by planetfuzz

A banana seems like it would be enough but not too much. All I know is when I do something like squats or deadlifts I feel like crap if there is anything in my stomach.

Ya you've just gotta do what works for you I feel bad if i dont eat or eat way too much..i guess you've gotta find that perfect amount.

[planetfuzz]

Originally Posted by pantherdude63

Ya you've just gotta do what works for you I feel bad if i dont eat or eat way too much..i guess you've gotta find that perfect amount.

Yeah,kind of seems like one of those things where you just have to experiment. Everybody seems to prefer something different.

[jonny21]

Originally Posted by planetfuzz

Would it be ok to just have a protein shake before a workout? Especially if you've eaten a large meal a few hours before. When I have a shake and some carbs I feel very full and my stomach gets upset,especially if I am doing squats or something hard. I have just heard over and over again that you MUST have carbs preworkout. Doesn't your body have enough glucose stored already? Any suggestions? Thanks

You have heard the wrong people, over and over again.

Assuming you are talking about resistance training, carbs are not necessary pre-workout. Now, if you were a cyclist, triathlete, marathoner...carbs an hour before start and then during would be essential.

[Highlanda01602]

I got into the habit of eating an apple just before my weight sessions... apple and a coffee is usually my plan of attack. Personally, I love it.

[Dietfreak]

Originally Posted by EasyEJL

no such thing as essential carbs, so feel free to avoid

OCCfan is spot on. Glucose is essential

Carbs are protein sparing so I suggest you have some pre-wo just do it a few hours before.