How soon before a workout do you load up on some good energy carbs? What carbs give you the best amount of energy for your workout? Do you load them?
I'm trying to break the carb issue down to a science for my workouts. I've had issues with carbs. For instance, some carbs take a while to break down and provide energy. Other hit fast and then are gone quickly.
Interested to hear what you might think about this.
hehe..I was on a low carb / no carb routine for so long that I know less about carbs then all the other food groups and supplements.
Because of my schedule, i wake up at 5am, eat 2 cups' of oats, and 1 banana for carbs, and i train around 6:30
If it's leg day, i'll try to eat some fast reacting carb's right before i train! Im also interested to see what other people think!
Oh yah !
nothing beats' training after popping 4 dbol tabs 😉
I usually have a descent size meal that includes primarily complex carbs and a moderate amount of protein about an hour before working out. I'm on more of a bulking diet these days so I'm not concerned with calories; I'm taking in about 100g CHO, 40g PRO along with some healthy fats an hour prior.
Usually the general rule of thumb is complex ~1hr prior to the workout and simple carbs immediately following to maximize CHO stores and replenishment, respectively. However, unless you are going to be doing another workout within a few hours following the workout, either type of carb is probably fine to replenish glycogen stores.
apple & a shake 30-60min before
Thanks guys for the suggestions.
so long as ur post workout nutrition is good, i dont think a large amount of carbs pre workout is necessary... that is if u replenish ur glycogen stores after a workout, ur still gonna be carb loaded when u wake up in the morning, barring any intense morning exercise... i tend to start consuming my carbs during my workout and mostly post workout... pre workout i only have 2 slices of whole wheat toast and an apple for my carb intake with my breakfast then i workout about 2 hours later
so long as ur post workout nutrition is good, i dont think a large amount of carbs pre workout is necessary... that is if u replenish ur glycogen stores after a workout, ur still gonna be carb loaded when u wake up in the morning, barring any intense morning exercise... i tend to start consuming my carbs during my workout and mostly post workout... pre workout i only have 2 slices of whole wheat toast and an apple for my carb intake with my breakfast then i workout about 2 hours later
I've recently started eating pasta before I go to bed, I've been getting up at 5 am to lift before work. I supplement with bread and my favorite carb of all, corn. I've felt a little boost since I began doing that.
The post workout nutrition I've got a better handle on..after lifting hard, I'm starved, so I eat lots of lean protein, greens and breads and pasta.
Off topic but, though my low-carb days are behind me (helped me lose 160 lbs) I still get a spurt of energy when I restrict the carbs for a day or two and then load up on them. I do this sometimes for my favorite day: Chest Day.
Thanks JondonMuscle for taking the time to advise..much appreciated.
i take in 3 meals each 2.5 hours apart. my carbs are mostly oats and i have 2 cups at each meal. right before i train i have a gatorade or fast carb drink. i dont have any protein with that just the carb drink. i find i am MUCH better fueled for my workouts like this. i used to have only 2 meals prior to training with piss weak amounts of carbs and then wonder why i couldnt lift anything. i take in most of my carbs in those 3 meals and the drink and right after training with a shake then taper them off in my last few meals for the rest of the day/night my last meal of the day has around 20-30g carbs then a protein/fat meal before bed usually egg whites and some yolks or a WPC shake with penut butter or whole eggs.
MIKE