Is it ok to eat my oatmeal before my workouts?

[ten2go]

I'm STILL struggling with my program and I'm pretty much convinced it is my diet that needs the most work.

Back in July I cut out almost all of my gym classes (spinning, body pump, etc.) and focused on lifting heavy. I have seen some improvements in my arms but my belly is still soft and my thighs are flabby. I know I lost some inches because I was able to fit into some size 2s that I hadn't been able to get on before.

But, the size on the clothing doesn't matter if I'm still squishy!

My weakness is sugar. I can eat clean all day until late afternoon.

So, back to my original question: I usually have my oatmeal (with flaxseed and protein powder around 7 am. I get the kids ready for school and they catch the bus at 8:45 which gets me to the gym about 9 am. When I get home I have a protein shake.

I'm wondering if I should eat my oatmeal AFTER my workouts? Does it matter?

Also, I started adding my spinning classes back to see if I can burn some of this fat off that isn't budging. Is 3-4 hours of cardio too much a week? I'm trying to find a good balance!

Thanks!!

[MollyD1016]

Having carbs (oatmeal) before you workout is actually a good idea it gives your muscles energy. The more energy you have the better your workout, anf the better the workout the better you results. You should also have some form of carb with your pro. shake after your workout too. It helps your muscles recover. I have a piece of fruit with my shake, I found that if I eat a balanced meal after my workout I am not as starving later in the day. If you think your diet is holding you back, post a day or too on here and everyone will offer advice.

Good luck!

[nunu713]

I definitely think its okay to eat before your AM workout. With as early as you get up, you should have something in your system before you get to the gym. If I was awake for 2 hours without eating anything, and then went to the gym, I'd be passing out from starvation.

[fitnbeachy21]

what i would do is maybe switch it up instead of eating oatmeal before the gym because oatmeal is more of a complex carb which burns slower therefore whenever you get to the gym all you will be doing is burning off the first meal instead your fat storage areas....better yet eat a protein shake and a banana....the banana will give you energy...and it also is full of potassium which is great its one of the best carbs to eat before training, because since it is more of a simple carb you can burn it off quicker which then this will allow you to start burning fat in you fat storage areas once your in the gym .... and then post workout should be 1/2 cup of oatmeal & egg whites or another protein shake, hope this helps out a little bit

[kimm4]

It's fine to have your oatmeal at that time in the a.m. It's great that you've added some cardio back into your program, but if you're not sticking to your eating plan than the cardio is not going to help.

Burning the fat is all about how true you stick to your eating plan.

[imperfectly_lou]

Absolutely. I eat the same thing

[Leggs2008]

OP: I would add some juice to the shake if you dont like to eat fruits per say. Me I add pineapple juice and it tastes great

Having carbs (oatmeal) before you workout is actually a good idea it gives your muscles energy. The more energy you have the better your workout, anf the better the workout the better you results. You should also have some form of carb with your pro. shake after your workout too. It helps your muscles recover. I have a piece of fruit with my shake, I found that if I eat a balanced meal after my workout I am not as starving later in the day. If you think your diet is holding you back, post a day or too on here and everyone will offer advice.

Good luck!

[ten2go]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I really appreciate it!

Kim, I know it is diet and I have GOT to stay clean. I tend to be an emotional eater and any little stress sends me right to sugar! I'm working on that. Once I can got 3 days without sugar I can go for weeks (well, until my cycle starts and that is a whole other issue! LOL).

Leggs...I LOVE fruit!

[fitinidaho]

I ALWAYS eat oats/cottage cheese b4 my workouts and after. Then eat again within an hour of that...lol.

to help with the sugar cravings (because im totally off any sugar that isnt natural) try some raisins in your oats or pineapple in your cottage cheese.

[ToraAdams]

when I start my day with oatmeal (slowish cooking not instant) I have the best day. I eat normally feel great and have lots of energy.

[seems]

Having oatmeal before workout should be no problem. Oatmeal is any day good for the body. After workouts have some juice.