What to Eat Before a Workout

Berkeley Wellness Newsletter

What’s the best thing to eat before a workout, game, or race?

(a) a candy bar or other sugary food 15 minutes before,
(b) a protein shake or bar 30 minutes before,
(c) a low-­fat, high-­carb meal or snack one to four hours before,
(d) nothing; you should fast.

The answer is usually (c), but it depends on the type, length and intensity of your activity, what you ate on previous days, your metabolism and your personal preferences. If you’re just walking briskly or cycling for 30 to 60 minutes, it doesn’t matter what you eat beforehand.