pre-workout snack

[smflower]

I'm wondering if someone could give me some advice on pre workout snacks.  I run or do crossfit 5-6 days a week, typically before 9 am.  I start each morning with a cup of coffee and can't drink that on an empty stomach.  I also find that my stomach becomes very acidic and upset, even if I don't have the coffee, if I don't eat a little something before I workout.  Not sure if thats a bad thing or not, but its always been that way.  Anyway, pre-whole30 I would eat a small handful of trailmix or 1/2 banana with a little peanut butter.  That always sat well on my stomach.  I've been searching through the forums and everyone seems to recommend hard boiled eggs or some other animal protein before workouts.  So far this has not worked out well.  My stomach has been pretty upset or just felt heavy, especially in the middle of my run.  Are there any other recommended pre-workout snacks?  Why are fats and carbs discouraged before workouts? 

[jmcbn]

Fats are not discouraged - the recommendation is for protein & fats, although there are a few who just have fats which may well work better for you.

Try boiling some eggs & eating the yolks as your fat, then have the whites as your postWO protein, or a few spoonfuls of nut butter works well for some - although I'd add this is the ONLY situation where I'd recommend eating nut butter in any way other than in a recipe as  it can be a FWOB.

 

[Tom Denham]

Carbs are discouraged because the fiber of carbs places extra demands on digestion at a time when blood flow is being shifted to muscles. 

 

A pre-workout meal is meant to signal the body to release energy for work. I frequently skip pre-workout food, but sometimes eat a small handful of nuts.