Should you eat breakfast before running? Find out the answer to one of the most common questions asked in the fitness world.
Are you thinking that what should you eat before you are going on a run? Are you trying to feel light and energetic as well when you are going for your run? Do you want to select your meal before you run? Have you ever feel that you are getting enough potential for your running and you are increasing your stamina with your food time by time?
If you have any of these questions in your mind, then you are in the right place because I am going to show you all the answers and solutions that what should you eat before you are going on a run and how the food can help you to build your stamina and potential. So let us get started.
There are two types of runners, the first group wants to feel light and they do not eat anything before going on a run and they also run for a short mile. On the other hand, there is the second group, who have to run for about 12 to 15 miles and they need the energy for the run.
The case is very different for both of the groups. So, today I am going to show you a complete guide about food and running. I assure you that after reading this article, you will be very sure to choose your food and timings of the food as well.
Short miles runner:
If you are a short mile’s runner and you only want to run 2-6 miles a day, then you can take breakfast in the morning. But when should you take it? You can take breakfast before an hour of the run because the materials and nutrients have to be broken down, digested to release the energy for your run.
Now, if you are thinking that what should you eat? Then, there are various foods and you have to take the foods which lack fiber and fats (they take a long time to digest and cause many problems) and rich in glucose because it is the primary fuel of the body.
You can also take an energy drink and energy bar before you are going to run because these are also one of the best sources of instant energy.
Long miles runner:
If you are a long mile’s runner and you plan to run a long distance for about 12 to 15 miles, then running with an empty stomach can cause you very serious problems and you have to prevent them.
Let me explain to you how you can do that. You have to take a good dinner at night and take a good amount of carbohydrates at your dinner. You always have something in your stomach before you set up in the long run.
All you need to do is to take 0.5 grams of carbohydrates for each pound of your body weight and then multiply it with the time before your run. Let me give an example.
If you have 150 pounds’ weight, then you have to take 75 grams of carbohydrates and if there are two hours between your run, then you have to take 150 grams of carbohydrates to fill all the needs of your body.
Pros of eating before a run:
There are many advantages of eating the food before the run but I am going to mention here the most important thing, that food does not mean that you have to eat a bowl full of cheese and other high fats and fibers, but you can take some food like out meals, jam with aa bread, almonds, fresh juices, and fruits, etc.
You also have to make sure that you are taking your meal before 2 hours of your run. If you do not have enough time to eat something rich in carbohydrates before your run, you can take bananas, energy drinks, and anything that suits you.
Pros of eating after the run:
When you do not eat anything before a run and you plan that you will take aa meal after your run, then your body uses the available glycogen from your last meal that is dinner. So, in this case, it is very important to take a dinner that is rich in nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins.
While running, you should have energy drinks and energy chews for boosting yourself up. This training will be more intense and more beneficial for you because it will help you to increase your stamina and tolerance level. You can also burn the fat with the help of this type of running.
After you end your run, make sure that you are taking good food that has all the essential nutrients because your body needs to recover many tissue damages and gives you the energy after hard running.
Never forget water:
Water is the most essential thing for you in both cases. If you want to eat something before running or not, you have to take water because it is very important to digest all the food and give a proper balance to the body. You cannot deny its importance.
Through scientific research, drinking 8 ounces of water are a must before starting a run and you have to make sure that you are not taking too much water because it can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems.
When you go on running, take a water bottle with you which has moderate water. You can use it when you feel down, you are taking rest and you want to balance your body’s fluids.
Conclusion: Should you eat breakfast before running?
You have read all the points and now I am sure that most of your mind is clear and you can choose your diet plan as well as your running plan very easily.
Just you have to choose what suits you the best and be yourself because I know that you are doing all this for your goals. For this, you also need some motivation which you can also get by working on these points.