Protein waffles

Do you eat before your workouts?

I used to be all about working out fasted. Even if I worked out later in the morning I thought I needed to exercise fasted in order to shed more fat.

Then I started actually paying attention to the way I felt during my workouts when I was fasted vs. fed and realized I had been wrong.

Fasted I noticed I felt fatigued faster, wasn't able to lift as heavy and sometimes felt dizzy. On top of that I would drink coffee or pre-workout to give my energy and would also feel jittery, anxious and moody.

When I started eating something before my workout I noticed a huge change in my energy levels and ability to lift heavier. I didn't get as gassed, didn't have a racing heart rate or feel like I was going to pass out from being dizzy.

Now I make sure most my workouts are done after I've eaten a little something in the morning. For me meals that are higher in protein, have a little carbs and are a bit lower in fat work best. This helps me to get in some quick energy through the carbs and protein to fill me up. Having too much fat pre-workout can slow down the digestion of carbs and make it take longer to get the energy you need for your workout.

One of my go-to pre-workout meals is this delicious protein waffle recipe.

Protein waffles

1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
1 large egg
2 tbsp. kodiak cakes or birch blenders pancake mix
2 tbsp. non-dairy milk (I used flax milk + protein)

Blend all ingredients together in a blender or mix well in a medium mixing bowl. Spray waffle iron with cooking spray and pour mixture onto waffle iron to cook. Remove and serve with your choice of toppings. I love a little PBfit and fresh berries but you do you!

If this seems like a lot to you, try eating 1/2 the recipe before your workout and 1/2 after your workout. It's a good one!

*Also important to do what works for you! If you’re one that does okay working out on an empty stomach, great! Just sharing what I’ve learned works for me and most my clients ☺️