Any advice about times for eating?

[Beek]

I want to run first thing in the morning but need to eat as soon as I get up. When I get up I feel really hungry to the point of feeling clammy, sick and weak. I've always been like that. Since starting C25K I have been eating a banana before going out, plus water, but I quickly run out of energy. I have also tried a dollop (1 dessertspoon) of honey with it. It didn't work and I still ran out of energy. No idea what to do now. Yoghurt and oats seems best sustenance but I find that slightly 'heavy'. Maybe I should wait before going out but I need to get out of the door before I change my mind! Anyone got any suggestions?

[swanscot Graduate]

I think eating - times and what - is very individual, but one suggestion is to drink a glass of smoothie with your food.

I'm a 'run-on-empty morning runner, ie go for up to one hour without eating since the previous evening, but for the longer 45+ mins runs, I usually have a glass of smoothie as well as my two glasses of water. I also weaned myself off my 'must-have' morning cuppa, since tea is a diuretic!

[Beek Graduate in reply to swanscot]

That sounds like a good idea. I could add yogurt and oats to fruit and it shouldn't lay heavy in my stomach. I do drink a lot of water during the day. I will try a run on empty sometime. A couple of years ago I did a 4 mile walk every morning on empty and was fine. I'll try a smoothie - I love them! Thank you for the tip!

[BrightYangThing]

I can happily go 15/16 hours from dinner to breakfast, even if fast walk/jog routine. Some people do need more regular intake. Perhaps try and energy drink (caution - loads and loads of sugar so choose carefully) with your banana or make your own oat/fruit bars and take with you to nibble if needed. Don't worry too much about the fluid intake. If your body needs it it will use it and pass it out in sweat - you won't need to pee.

Also think about getting your blood sugars checked with doc in case this is an imbalance.

Go for some complex carbs (porridge and fruit for example) as son afterwards as you can.

[Beek Graduate]

Hi BrightYanfThing, Thank you for answering. I am T2 diabetic so I already know my blood sugars are an issue. Must look at the Low GI book again methinks.

[gdeann Graduate]

We use a brand of biscuit called Belvita here in the States. I do believe you have them available in the UK also. Maybe a few biscuits with the banana? My husbands eats his full serving size of 4 biscuits with a banana. Because of calories etc. I keep my serving size to 1-2 biscuits with a small or half banana. Good luck to you! Gayle

[gdeann Graduate]

I forgot to mention, I also enjoy pre-run at times, a tablespoon or two of natural peanut butter on a slice of whole wheat bread or on a banana. Gayle

[Oldgirl Graduate]

If you like oat cakes they are slow burning like porridge but no fuss involved making these. A little butter or soft cheese on top. I'm a banana and green T before a run but if banana's are finished a cereal bar does the trick too. Hope you find something to keep you going.

[Beek Graduate]

I think that I need a bit more protein before running so cottage cheese would help there. And like you say - easy to make. Thank you for the tip!

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to Beek]

Two should be plenty and be aware that there is quite a high fat content unlike some crackers. I often have two for lunch with Phili light spread on them. Even after loads of exercise that will keep me going until dinner at night.