OMG Ouch.Follow

So I had my first training session at the new gym this morning (at 7am, can we really call it morning when the sun isn't out yet?).

Getting up at stupid-o-clock had me rushing around all out of sync and I didn't have time to grab breakfast before I left, I figured I'd just eat afterwards...yeah, don't do that. I damn near died. Sick, light headed, and of course sore since I'm out of shape from slacking for so long.

Gonna have to figure out what I can eat in the mornings that A. provides what I need and B. doesn't take time to make. I usually cook up an egg, piece of toast, cottage cheese and some yogurt, but that takes 10 mins to prepare and I just don't see myself doing that at 6 am when I'm used to getting up at 8...Heck if I start doing the morning classes I'll have to get up at 5.

So...quick, high protein, not horribly tasting or expensive breakfast ideas?

The recommendation I've heard is "toast at most." So stick with one or two pieces of toast. If you're doing a strength training workout, you do your protein intake after the fact. Follow it up with a protein milkshake or Cliff bar or something.

Actually, a Cliff bar in lieu of toast for breakfast is probably a good option.

This is what I do a few times a week at night while I'm preparing dinner:

Chop up some onion, mushrooms, tomato and spinach. Scramble 6 eggs. Season with some salt, pepper and dill. Mix it all up together and put it in a Tupperware.

In the morning I pour some out into a microwaveable container and nuke it for about 2 minutes. Stir it a bit and then nuke again to fully cook.

If I'm really in a rush, I just mix one of those Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes with 1% milk and drink.

You can also boil some eggs and leave in the refrigerator for a quick breakfast in the morning.

ETA: I normally work out first thing in the morning. I drink water with lemon and then work out. I eat breakfast afterward.

Edited, Jan 5th 2012 12:06pm by Thumbelyna

If your exercise program is to hard or much to start with its not doing you any good. You have to take steps getting back into exercise.
Eating properly and being hydrated is also very important. You are now paying the price for not eating/drinking and over exercising.

Drinking water beforehand is okay, but it isn't quite working through your system at that point like you need it to. The heavier your work out, the more water your muscles need. Like I said, every night drink a large bottle of water. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have a sports drink after the work out to get some of the electrolytes back into your system.

Thanks for the advice.

I was told to eat breakfast BEFORE I go and then something else afterwards. Obviously don't want a full stomach but need to eat something. I'm thinking cantaloupe or something, quick high energy before and then some protein and carbs (cottage cheese, yoghurt and toast with peanut butter maybe) after workout.

Has to be in the morning, can't start work later and can't go after work due to family commitments.

Yes, the idea here is to make the AM workout "easy" in the sense that it's not difficult to go or more time consuming than it has to be. I'm trying to remove the factors that stopped me from going, hence the new gym, it's on the way to work and it's in the same building as Tim Hortons so I can get my coffee on the way to work.

That's exactly what you should do. Protein builds/repairs muscle and a successful workout involves tearing muscle up. No protein, no growth. A burst of protein after exercising will make a huge difference in muscle growth.

I drink a shake 30 minutes before and another immediately after the workout is over. They get kind of disgusting after a few weeks of 2 shakes 6 days a week, but it's necessary.

ENERGY! RAWR!

I should say also that after an intense session of cardio, I will drink pickle juice as well as water.