Questions and Answers: How Do I Eat Before And After Cardio Workouts?

[SnazzyFellow]

When you do cardio on an empty stomach that could cause catabolism, how do i prevent catabolism when doing my cardio????

[CertifiedHustler68]

thank you for this valuable information. you have earned a subscriber

[TalkToTheMac]

Ya i would eat nothing before working out but i would feel sick and get dizzy....ill try it tommorow thanks for the advice

193.6lbs down from 224.5 since july 19 2010

[yin551]

i have a question, i have abs and a low body fat.. but why does my stomach jiggle a little when i jump up and down?

[Bankhiet]

When you say you wait one hour to put anythin back in your stomach. Are you counting a thing such as a protein shake? bc i always took it like 10 min after in done with my workout bc when your lifting weight and doin cardio your body has a 2 hr gap to fuel your body and start the recoverying process or am i wrong?

[daltonsbadboy]

Good video, thanks man....this video along with a few articles on google helped me win an argument with my Uncle about not workig out/runnig right after eating a hefty meal.

God Bless you and your family....keep up the good work.

[fknlilwanker]

do we wait 1 hour before and after doing cardio :S

[motley0crue12]

and the exercise im doing is full body workouts, intense cardio with bodyweight exercises.. i tried working out intense right after getting out of bed and almost collapsed half way through.. so thats not the best idea for me i dont think, i just want to know what i need to eat after the workout, thanks

[motley0crue12]

i get up about 9am, workout about 12.. i need to eat something in that space right, so i'll have breakfast pretty soon after getting up, then wait 1-2 hours before i start doing any exercising.. maybe a piece of fruit but thats all, but what should i eat after working out, i've read that i should drink a protein shake, or chicken breast sandwich or something like that, is that right? im looking to lose a little body fat, tone up and build muscle so would be great if you could get back to me

[Madsa101]

hey Ahmad !

I have a question! I figured the time of day when my energy levels are the lowest, must be when i wake up in the morning. so I have tried to do my cardio execises on an empty stomach early in the morning, but its very hard to keep the intensity up =/ however i have been doing that for some time now and i don't seem to make any progress at all. So the question is if I should just keep it up untill i see results or should I change my routine?

[makingthebest09]

@Madsa101 do your cardio during the point when you have more energy... which might mean switching your schedule around. Depending on your reasoning for doing the cardio, will determine the nutrient timing. I suggest for optimum health to try to do cardio 1-2 hours after consuming a protein enriched meal or shake... then wait the one hour...trust me it works...you have to make sure you find your balance...never force yourself to do something... do it when you really want too...ok?~ahmad

[Madsa101]

@makingthebest09 Thanks alot :)

[TRax1122]

isi ayt if i take protein shake b4 da cario

[makingthebest09]

@TRax1122 yes it is fine...have it 1-2 hours before though...~ahmad

[TRax1122]

isi kl if i have protein shake b4 da cardio

[TRax1122]

so u sayin not 2 eat nuffin b4 cardio where r u gonna get carb from den

[makingthebest09]

@TRax1122 there's more to it than that. You should be eating smart every 3-4 hours...4-6 smart meals/snacks a day. Eating like that guarantees balanced blood sugar, and full glycogen in the muscles. So when you wake, go do your cardio, wait the hour then eat IF FAT LOSS IS YOUR GOAL. If you need something to eat before have a piece of fruit...if needed...watch lesson2-4 clips.

[BrownFaceTV]

Okay, no dice on this one. I usually work out in the mornings and I am hypo-glycemic so I cannot workout on an empty stomach. I will surely pass out. So please give some suggestions. I usually have a slice of multi-grain bread with a little organic peanut butter. I just discovered these South Beach protein bars and it worked pretty well this morning. I also tried half of one of those Special K protein drinks. Those have muey sugar though. I do try not to eat until hour after cardio.

[makingthebest09]

@BrownFaceTV what you are doing is perfect...it will work. The thing I learned is that its all about the balance we make between our eating and workouts...~ahmad

[TheMarkell123]

gotcha, its just hard because i work 2 jobs, and its easier to get it all over with in the morning yanno. but yeah i hear you, thankz for the advice bruh.

[musik1989]

Hi there. I've been watching a few of your vids and there awsome but anyway my question is this. I can never seem to manage cardio in the morning because I get this feeling of no energy after my session. So lately I've been doing my cardio in the afternoon which is fine but I was just wondering how can I stop this?

[makingthebest09]

@musik1989 do it when you feel most energetic...only thing that matters when you do it is the intensity and challenge you bring into the session..ok?~ahmad

[TheMarkell123]

I work out (heavy weight lifting) in the morning (5:15 a.m) I have to take a 33 gram protein shake and a half of breakfast bar and a serving of nitric oxcide) before I go there, or I am no good on energy, now, I want to do the cardio in the morning to, when should I? and will I be wasting my time if I do cardio with all of that in my system? should I do cardio first before I go? without taking those supplements first?

[makingthebest09]

@TheMarkell123 now if your goal is not fatloss...then your current plan is fine...but if you wish to cut and lean up a bit...separate your cardio and heavy lifting ...do the heavy lifting later in day...do your cardio first thing right out of bed...if you can...ok?

[thesparkles45]

what should i do if i start feeling light headed when i do my cardio on an empty stomach??

[makingthebest09]

well first always make sure you are healthy enough to exercise(get doctor's approval). You might need a light natural sugar in your system...like half of a banana...or try slowing up your intensity if feeling too exerted...~ahmad

[sophie988xx]

@thesparkles45 then dont do it on an empty stomach?

[BORNremedy]

omfg -_- i eat my dinner and then do cardio.... abit late finding out now .... on week5 :( atleast i know now ... but still im pissed offf!

[GusLmSm]

this might sound stupid but what is that bar u have???(what is it called)where can i get it?

[makingthebest09]

the bar is used for the upper body... I will post a link for you to get it...send me your email address...

[watchfuleye2008]

@makingthebest09 - Send me the link to Ahmad!!

[JoZuko]

I like the idea of not eating BEFORE but I go to school and don't get out until 2:30 or so, I eat breakfast and sometimes lunch . I only can do cardio AFTER school, I've already eaten... is it okay since it's been like 3 hours since I ate. I eat healthy btw

[makingthebest09]

your goal is to try your best to snack every 3-4 hours on something that will help build your body for the long haul. You are eating and working out not just to look good today...but when you are a senior citizen...the smart work now pays off. Check out my lesson 3 clip.

[DharshiniRajah]

This was solid stuff. Made a lot of sense and at least i know i have been doing the right thing before cardio. 3rd day into this and i feel great after workouts! not as lethargic as i used to be before. i guess mentality really does make a difference. =D

Thanks yo

[makingthebest09]

how is life...are you still eating healthy?

[mumapuma]

I usually skip the lunch...because I want to lose my stomach fat...its that healthy?...I want great abs till next summer =] ...

[carlinholic85]

@mumapuma eat more meals but smaller portions it will jack up your metabolism and you will burn fat faster

[makingthebest09]

never miss meals...only make the meals healthier..light and clean is key...tons of fresh water will go a long way too...ok?

[xXHappyxAssXx]

I usually do cardio (jogging or jumprope) within the 2 hours that I wake up. I've heard from lots of places and people that breakfast boosts your metabolism, and skipping it will a) slow it down and b) cause your body to hold onto the fat because it's thinking you're in starvation mode? Can you tell me what you think about this for me? Is the starvation mode a myth, too?

[makingthebest09]

Thanks for your question. Your genetic make up within your cell determines really how fast your metabolism goes...when you are doing everything healthy. When you eat unhealthy, this slows down your body's natural process of fast absorption of fuel. It all depends on your body. The ideal thing is to have a healthy balanced meal 2-3 times a day with 1 -2 healthy snacks. If you miss meals, your body goes into starvation mode. Hope that helps...~ahmad

[atori123]

What if you literally feel like you're going to pass out after cardio? what should one consume? Just water?

[LUFCRACE]

if you're feeling like that i think you need to ease off a bit! feeling tired is one thing, but feint is bad.

[makingthebest09]

smart water ...or another beverage with electrolytes infused within...ok? And yes please pace yourself...~ahmad

[fromnytopr]

What's your opinion on "recovery drinks" for after a workout? Aslo should resistance and strength exercises be done before cardio? (crunches, push-ups, etc.)

[makingthebest09]

Depending on the phase of your training...it will determine whether you have the drink or not. The two phase are fat loss and lean muscle gain. In fat loss you want to hold off 1 hour after finishing your workout before having it. For Muscle Gain, you need to have it the MOMENT you finish your workout... I will chat with you more about this:)~ahmad

[Blacksun1942]

You just got another subscriber.

Thanks a lot for giving your advice for free to all of us here on YouTube, it's absolutely appreciated!

[makingthebest09]

thanks for applying it!

[rickalex21]

did he answer what to eat after ?

[enemytool]

woo! i did 2 miles today.running and some walking at level 3 which is pretty fast on the treadmill

[killarkings]

2 miles in how many minutes?

[makingthebest09]

good job!

[chinawhite1023]

Is this also explained in your ebook?

[makingthebest09]

Yes its explained there...

[BIGbabyondeck]

so how long should you work out? you dont just workout for how long the clip is ?

[makingthebest09]

you should repeat the clips for the given amount of reps suggested over in the description or before/after the clip starts...ok?

[lukewillzz]

sorry i should av been more spacific i ment the chest flexor bar?

[ThePrimoProduction]

the food is terrible :'( i aint gonna do that i want to get a more muscle upper body like you i aint fat at all so what is best thing for me to do ?

[makingthebest09]

It is good to vary your healthy routines. There are so many ways to take care of your nutritional needs no matter what your goal is. It is all based on what you like. Some like to drink shakes for their protein while others love the real source...ie. chicken or fish. Anyway...email me privately if you want any help...no worries...:)~ahmad

[LavendarMT]

This is great to know...I see I've done things wrong in the past and have wondered why I didn't get better results. Unfortunately, I've been sedentary for several months now, so I'm gearing up to get back to working out. Your videos are fab!

[makingthebest09]

how are things going for you?

[toledogirl]

honestly,no one ever told me that .this helps.I have a gym membership that came with my lease,only went over there 10X in 3yrs.you make me wanna go proudly cause i have instructions..:)

[makingthebest09]

I am so happy that you are getting more energy...your email was so charging...thought about it while I was thinking about walking during my long run today! Thanks for motivating me!~ahmad

[lukewillzz]

whats the name of that bar pal?looking for 1 but dont know the name to search for it !!

[makingthebest09]

the bar is named cliff bars...sorry for delay in response...

[makingthebest09]

I meant to thank you and extend a big hug to you for this comment!!

[NopainNogain09]

if i do cardio in the morning before breakfast can i drink my protein before the cardio workout as a breakfast..?

[White1nsane]

don't use protein before workout...use it at least 30or60 minutes after workout if you are trying to lose weight or use it right after workout if you aren't trying to lose weight.

[makingthebest09]

You should consume the protein shake (isopure zero carb) at least 1 hour before it...if you can not I would skip the drink and just consume it one hour after the cardio...let me know if you have more questions on this...

[mtk139]

you say empty stomach before cardio but i wake up have breakfeast and go to school and lunch at school is just nasty so i come home hungry what should i do an excercise first then eat or at then workout??????

[White1nsane]

you should try to eat something at school so that you are not too hungry while you get home and start the workout. Why? First it's not healthy to skip meals for that long and second of all because if you go to workout directly after school without eating anything till morning you are risking getting dizzy and overburned during the workout which is also not healthy...so your solution would be eat something in school...take food from home (yogurt and bananas for example) just don't skip the meal.

[makingthebest09]

YOu have two options...you can pack your own lunch or big mid-morning snack if allowed... or you can have a milk or juice at lunch with a protein bar...OR come home...eat and wait 1-2 hours...then do your exercise... that was 3 options...lol...

[missterry2009]

this makes sense,hes knows whaat hes talkin about,good job man!

[makingthebest09]

thank you for those words...how are you doing with your cardio and eating?

[DeathWish196]

i never eat before cardio, i always seem to get cramps!

[makingthebest09]

yeah some can get away with it...but if you need something...have a small piece of fruit at least one hour before you start your cardio...in the morning... but me personally I try to do it on empty...

[barlog20]

What if your really hungry right after the workout?I feel that way sometimes.

And can your comments apply to weightlifting also?

[White1nsane]

drink some water just to trick your stomach...

i suppose the comment can apply to any sport or physical activity.

[makingthebest09]

You want to try your best to hold off for one hour if you can...for this science to work.

Now for weight lifting days, you need to EAT WITHIN one hour of finishing...

totally different...ok?

[Alusaint]

not to be funny but do you know how to getr rid of man boobs.

[White1nsane]

do his cardio clips or start running, jumping the rope and other aerobic exercises.

[makingthebest09]

You have to really watch the cardio and your eating after 12 pm..ok?

[Alusaint]

thanks for posting this vid man it helped a lot Because I was basicly working out on a full stomach which actually was a big waste time and a waste of food because I

got hungry again right after cardio.

[makingthebest09]

I won't let you down...just follow my lead...it has worked for all who trust me...

[Moknosmusik]

Great video!!! Thanks for sharing!

[makingthebest09]

My pleasure!!

[LauraLouise5]

Good video, I've learnt a few things thank you.

[makingthebest09]

My explanations will get better with more practice...thanks for the post! Hope it helps a bit...~ahmad

[MorenitaSoul]

Awesome! I didn't know that...I also thought you had to eat before a work-out to get the energy from your food. I sure can't do a work-out before eating because I start getting dizzy and weak. Why does this happen, do you know?

[makingthebest09]

Digestion, just like your workout, requires a lot of energy. That is why you feel a little tired after eating. Did you know that you burn calories too by digesting...protein requires the most energy to break down... So eating then working out too soon might make you feel a bit dizzy/tired...depends on your level of fitness too. But follow the lesson 3 and 4 info and you will be fine... how's working out in your max. heart rate zone coming?~ahmad

[gunner2smoke]

great vid!

[makingthebest09]

thanks so much!

[Sawdeeh]

love the vid;)

thnx for the advice:)

[makingthebest09]

thanks for the feedback...how are your workouts coming along?

[rpgjko]

I always thought eating an hour before or after working out was good because cardio requires carbs for energy & it increases metabolism. I guess it's good to get other perspectives on the matter.

[makingthebest09]

You can eat before and after the workout...but you need to follow the proper timing...or else you will just be spinning your wheels when it comes to accessing your fat cells for energy vs. your blood and muscle sugar...you want to target fat cells when you do cardio...ok? Follow lesson 3 clip and lesson 4...ok?

[skong432]

Thank you for that.

[makingthebest09]

do one set of the clips if you have time...I know you are super busy...just try to do something everyday...even if it is a simple set of 100 jumping jacks while your shower water is warming up...:)

no more off days if you can dear:)~ahmad

[skong432]

Ok...no more days off. I was starting to feel lazy and unmotivated. I will do something about it today. Thank you for checking up on me.

[makingthebest09]

I always look out and check on my squad...:)

[makingthebest09]

don't let us down...I know you can do it...

[LUFCRACE]

what did you do today?

[skong432]

The hour glass workout and the easy cardio.

[LUFCRACE]

well done! how did it go?

[Smile2DayTears2Morro]

I wish I watched this before I ran my 5 1/2miles today :o( I ate a sandwich as soon as I got home! I was a lil on the hungry side of life lol :o)

[makingthebest09]

let me know how it goes tomorrow... if the running ever gets boring...try to do a mini-duathlon in your gym...here's how...(i make all my clients do this to help them zoom thru their cardio workload) :

Stay in your max. heart rate zone while doing this-

1. - 2 minutes on treadmill or stairmaster

2. -do 5 miles on stationary bike level 5-8 if your knees are ok...

3. - 2.5 mile run to finish it all

Let me know how that feels...lol

[fleethirte]

Thanks for clearing that up Ahamd. Your the Best!!

[gastricRose]

So the best time is first thing in the morning right???love rosemary

[makingthebest09]

yes...or when the blood stream and stomach are low on sugar....so that your body can use your fat cell contents for energy...:) thanks for the post...hope all is well!

[MissJanieHere]

great video! thanks!

[makingthebest09]

thanks!!

[missterry2009]

hi ahmed,Im a new subscriber,just want to ask if I can drink coffee before starting my morning cardio?....thanks a lot!

[makingthebest09]

yes you can, but it should not have sugar or any extras in it.... by drinking that you are giving your body a stimulant from the caffeine. It is what makes the fat burner pills on my site effective. You need to just make sure your heart rate stays in your zone ok?

[shan4744]

I love cardio in the mornings, I go to the an hour of advanced spin class to get me going... I find if I have sugar in my stomach I get nauseous, and if I don't have food I pass out...completely black out... what would you recommend? I was told multigrain toast, I have been doing this and it worked for a while but last week I passed out at the end again. Do you have suggestions?! Also... I pass out easy during cardio sessions during the day... it is starting to get annoying. Thanks!

[makingthebest09]

Well my suggestion is this:

1. Find out your maximum heart rate zone and stay within in it NO MATTER what...even if the instructor is screaming at you to pick it up, ok? Being above your zone to soon and for too long can deplete your muscle sugar very fast and if your system is not use to the high intensity, you will begin to overheat internally and then feel those symptoms you spoke of. Do you know how to figure your zone?

[makingthebest09]

If you don't know I will show you. Keep it in the mid to upper range of your zone if you are fit...and I am sure you will see a difference. Let's try that and let me know if it helps... mentally prepare yourself for the butt kicking that spinning will try to give out...almost all of fitness is mental...prepare...as you drive over...feel yourself feeling well after the class...ok?~ahmad

[nvmee8]

men want to get big women want to get small...and most men that I talk to say " oh no I dont want to do any cardio because im trying to get big" im like dude ...your got a "BOOTY DO"

meaning " yo stomach stick out more than "YO BOOTY DO"

It makes no sense i mean i know you have to eat to get big but shouldn't you do cardio to shed the fat so that you can see that definition? why are men afraid of cardio? or am i wrong? should they stary away from cardio?

[makingthebest09]

If you consume enough quality protein for your muscles on a daily basis, then the cardio will not effect your muscle growth. You will need to find the balance, as with all things. Everyone is a bit different. This is where the fun comes into working out...meaning first learning and understanding the science(which I am sharing) and then adding it bit by bit each day into your lifestyle. Thanks for the post....

[MACwishin]

Great video... I have a simple question for ya. I dont exercise in a gym and want to know what is the best exercise to reduce/tone my chest area. I am working with the bands and weights on my ball but isnt working.

Thanks love 8)

Kimmy

[makingthebest09]

Hi Kimmy,

Sent you a message to answer your question...Choose any of my upper body strength clips or advanced force workout clips and start doing them before your cardio... you will notice a difference if you start making the last 3 reps of every set tough to finish....ok?

[ROBERTKENT67]

Hi Ahmad..things are going well for me, I have dropped another 7lbs and am in your moderate phase of workout video now and I just feel stronger. I could barely do a push up when I first started your videos!!..Anyways my question is which AB video do I do that you have on your site as that remains my problem area or is it even worth working on the abs when I still got another 35lbs to lose?

[makingthebest09]

My Man Robert...what's going on? Good to hear you are still kickin butt with all this. You should just rotate between all the ab videos. Do a different one each time before cardio...IF your abs are not too sore. A little soreness is ok... let me know how that goes for you!~ahmad

[gullpayne]

Thanks for the clip

So am I doing the correct thing? I am doing your clips on weekly cardio workout right first thing when I wake up. Before i eat anyfin and only drink water during cardio and in the hour before I eat something. Is dat Correct Ahmed

Cheers Mate.

[makingthebest09]

Yes you are correct Mate...

[makingthebest09]

muscle is normally the body's last source for the search for available energy. So have the Isopure Shake (Zero Carb) listed on my site. Again thanks for the post...~ahmad

[TachiRdiesDirty]

I used isopure and its a great product, but I prefer no artificial sweetner. I like Vitol, 100% Egg Protein, instead of whey, its zero carb and tastes good too. still isopure is the best whey made, hands down.

[Phenomenalwon]

I can't get a good cardio workout after a breakfast, I feel sick. I usually workout on an empty stomach. Then eat an hour later. It's working for me!

[makingthebest09]

that is so good to hear...thank you for taking the time to let me know...going to start watching your next few steps...~ahmad

[makingthebest09]

how was your cardio today?? give me an update when you can...~ahmad

[jugyta]

your info just confused me cuz i read that u shouldnt do a work on an empty stomach IN THE MORNING cause on avg ppl go without food for at least 8hrs during sleep, so the body has no direct source of energy therefore it would start breaking down muscle to obtain it. But it said it was fine to work out on an empty stomach in the afternoon cause most ppl would have at least eaten something their bodies can breakdown. if im wrong please correct me :):)

[makingthebest09]

Well the detail that I shouldn't have assumed you knew was........> to keep "what you speak of from happening" you must always consume a protein before bed...to make sure there is a FLOOD of amino acids floating in the blood. When this is the case...high amino acids in the bloodstream...then your muscles are safe going into cardio on empty. My lesson 3 I think tried to hint on this...thanks for the question...:)~ahmad

[brinny776]

Would a protein drink be good before your workout? I've noticed more energy by drinking it before my workout.

[makingthebest09]

You want to make sure it is zero carbs and zero sugar to be safe. Isopure like the one I have on my site is one of the best products at a perfect price. Whatever is working, just try to enhance...so if your method is doing well, then try for a week or two the isopure...let me know how it works out:) vlog it if you can:)~ahmad

[athomas1124]

Good info as always...thanks

[FobSquat07]

what is that curl thing called

[makingthebest09]

you can find it on my products page...cool tool...