Are shakes ok Pre AND Post workout?

[cmfulmer]

I workout in the morning before work. I usually wakeup and have a shake (grape juice/banana/protein/Betagen/yogurt) about 15 minutes before I workout because I'm limited on time in the morning( I wake up at 5:30, workout from 5:50 to 6:30 then get ready for work and usually barely make it on time at 7:15). Post workout I have been eating raisin oatmeal or cottage cheese with an orange. But I'm reading that the shake would be better post workout. I'm afraid that I could not eat any food before my workout or that it would not get in the bloodstream fast enough. Any guidance?

[Helene]

You should have a protein shake immedialtly after your workout if possible (or within 30-45 min). Bring a shake with you and drink it while your driving to work. Then a little later have Oatmea with raising, cottage cheese and a fruit. You need to eat a big enough breakfast after your workout, your body needs it.

[cursor]

Hello there cmfulmer.

Some workout on an empty stomach without complaint. Personally, I like to have some energy to burn. It helps me feel energized so that I can give my workout the absolute most (and without my stomach growling on me ).

If time is a problem, then consider even half a meal for pre-workout. That can be in the form of a shake, a bar, or whole/natural foods. Depending on the time available between your meal and your exercise routine, you'll want to be selective about the foods that you eat. The nutritional timing (particularly of the carbohydrate fuel) is important. Given your 15 minute timeframe, I'd recommend something fast-absorbing (like what you're currently doing).

Post workout ingestion of nutrition is most beneficial as soon as you can gulp it. A liquid shake is ideal. Typically, the faster digesting protein, combined with a liquid (higher glycemic) carbohydrate source (, and maintaining a lower fat & fiber content) is ideal.

[cmfulmer]

Thank you Helene and Cursor. It's awesome to have the help and knowledge here at this forum. People can learn a great deal by tapping into this valuable resource.