Carbs??

[Liftnsquat]

Okay so if your gonna eat say half an hour to 45 mins before you hit the gym could you eat simple carbs. I mean like white bagel and maybe a bit of protein with it or does it have to be something whole meal? I’m confused everywhere I read all says conflicting things. Help please

[hardyboysare]

It can be any it will make no difference as long as your calories and macros are on point at the end of the day for your goal.

Just a point most sporting energy drinks are just sugary liquid and noone question their use before exercise. You will be fine eating a plain sweet potato to a hot cross buns and everything in between they will all offer energy to exercise.

[FatWhiteKid]

Don’t overthink it. Just stay away from refined carbs. That would be my advice. I’ve tried it every which way and the only thing that really matters for me is that I eat some carbs pre workout for better workouts than afterwards to help my body recover.

[deano110]

If you're eating that close to training then your main consideration should be digestion, if you're still digesting food whilst training this can result in gastrointestinal issues and negatively impact your workout.

The advice will depend on your circumstances, if you're training first thing in the morning then it might be an idea to 'fuel up' the night before. Outside of this context, consider eating your pre-training meal a little further away from training.

Personally for me, if I was consuming a meal 30 - 45 minutes prior to training I would either not have anything at all or opt for a fast digesting liquid form of carbohydrates (typically glucose drinks or similar).

In terms of what type of carbohydrate, this is just depends what you tolerate well. You don't need to discriminate between highly processed refined carbohydrates or whole foods. In the context of performance it's simply whatever will benefit you most, and if anything, refined carbohydrates are probably going to be beneficial in this circumstance.

[1MANU]

Whatever allows you to have the most productive training sessions then that is what you should do.

Some just prefer a cup of coffee.

Some just want a piece of fruit.

Some need a protein/carb combo.

Some train fasted - like me

If "simple" carbs allows you to perform optimally then go for it. I have a buddy who swears by a handful of gummy bears prior to a workout and trains like a beast.

Experiment and see what works.

[AdamWW]

Just stay away from refined carbs.

What do you mean 'refined carbs'? There's a difference in levels of 'refinement'. Even rice is processed, as is wheat bread, etc...

[Nicksosure1]

Very Very highly variable.

I have a friend who has a whole meal and is on his first set 30-40mins later.

Some do best fasted, some do best light.

Experimentation my friend.

[yoojungl]

It really depends on the person. I'd experiment with a white bagel and a protein shake an hour prior to your workout. If you feel like it doesn't give you the energy you need, then try something else or have it a few hours prior and see if that'll make a difference.