Back before I knew anything about anything, I would set out for a run in the morning on an empty stomach, thinking that my body would be forced to use my fat stores for fuel. Â Although it is possible to train the body to do this, it’s more complicated than simply not eating. Â All I was really doing was setting myself up for a disappointing workout.
Now I know that by fueling up before I train, I can push myself harder, forcing my body to adapt more, which means more strength, speed, etc. Â Usually this means half a low-sodium turkey sandwich with honey mustard, at least a half hour before I train:
That works for weights, the bike, and swimming. Â Running with a sandwich in me usually causes a side-ache, though, so instead I’ll have a banana. Â Before really long sessions I’ll have a bowl of pasta with chicken, a full 2 hours prior to setting out.
You have to experiment to find what works for you.