Pre-Workout Foods and Supplements

[Hope23]

I have been working out in the mornings for about a month now and have considered buying a pre-workout supplement. I always eat a healthy breakfast with a cup of coffee which ususally gets me through. I have noticed that when I drink 2 cups of coffee I have more energy, but WAY more indigestion (not fun while running).. does anyone have any advice for their pre-workout routine or supplements they take for energy that won't cause indigestion? Also, how you take youor pre-workout supplements? 

Thanks! 

[Ukase]

Pre-workout supplements can be a slight benefit, but overall, you might need to share more information. 

For example, let's consider this: 

Instead of thinking about a pre-workout supplement, why don't we consider changing our diet to include all the nutrients we need so a supplement isn't necessary? 

Having said that, I've used supplements aside from caffiene before. I think a lot of thier "help" is purely psychological - and that's okay! As long as it helps you move some weights! 

I get what you're saying about indigestion. Coffee is a bit acidic, and when you're breathing hard, and maybe running, you could be a victim to acid reflux - which is pretty gross when it tastes like used coffee! 

So, consider this: A small portion of whey protein powder taken with a carb, like oatmeal flour. What's oatmeal flour? It's quick oats, (cooks in 1 minute) that you put in a food processor until it's basically like flour, or close to it. 

I'd put 6 ounces of water, a scoop of whey isolate and (since it's oatmeal flour - weigh it - a 1/4 cup of non-processed oats will turn into an 1/8th of a cup, roughly. You can look up the calories for the weight of flour. Consider that 1/3 of a cup is 100 calories, a whey isolate scoop is about 110 to 120 calories; so, that's 220 calories - you'll want to be sure you're busting weights for at least 30 minutes, or you'll have consumed a bit more than you burned off. Supplements like protein powder can add a lot of calories. 

Alternatively - if you're just looking for an alternative to coffee - Creatine is by far the best, most researched supplement on the market. If you don't drink coffee - use it daily. If you do drink coffee - (after the workout) consider taking a straight caffiene pill, or purchasing some ridiculously overpriced kool-aid called Hyde which might get you going. But it doesn't taste that good. 

[Dominique]

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@Hope23 wrote:

I have been working out in the mornings for about a month now and have considered buying a pre-workout supplement. 

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What does your workout consist of? Why do you think you need a pre-workout supplement? Are you feeling weak, lacking energy? If your workout is mostly aerobic exercise (jogging, stationary bike, elliptical etc.), you probably don’t need any particular supplement. Even if you are lifting weights, you should be fine with your normal eating. If you feel your glycogen stores are depleted, a banana is a cheap "supplement" to replenish them. For the most part, supplements are over-rated.

[FitBeforeFifty]

It sounds like your main issue is indigestion when running.

My recommendation is avoid the supplements and just adjust your meal timing.

I hate to run on a full stomach so I either run in a fasted state or have my meal 1 or 2 hours before my run. If time doesn't allow you to shift your run, you can eventually train yourself to manage a run in a fasted state and eat afterwards. It might be hard at first but you will adapt. Personally, I tend to run better in a fasted state as long as my run is 1 hour or less. 

[Mukluk4]

I'm up fairly early to get in an extra hour of activity before work so I need the extra kick.  Supplements I use are:

Caffiene - pre morning workout

Whey protien - post morning workout/breakfast

Creatine - evenings and post resistance training

I suggest researching before you decide to put anything in your body.  There are some great resources on the internet and consulting with a personal trainer and/or doctor is always a good idea.

[emili]

a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and almond milk will hold you through any workout. I am not a fan of supplements unless something is missing from your diet.