Before aerobics class begins....

[Melman]

I'm on a 'new, improved let's-be-smart-with-our eating' non-diet. My best friend and I are comparing our GOOD EATING habits starting today. I've been very good today but I'm faced with a problem I have about twice a week.

On Monday's and Thursday's, I go to a kickboxing class at my gym. The class starts at 7:00. That leaves a LONG time between lunch around noon....and dinner after 8:30. I have to eat something prior to the class in order to SURVIVE the class!!

Today was pretty decent as far as what I've eaten. Breakfast was non-fat vanilla yogurt with a fresh peach chopped up in it. Lunch was the CL Greek Couscous and canteloupe. I had some frozen grapes this afternoon. When I get home later tonight, I'm making the Greek pasta that's been mentioned in here so many times lately (I made it a couple of weeks ago....it really is awesome!).

Now....given those details of a fairly typical day, what are suggestions that give energy, squish my growling tummy, and doesn't keep reminding me of what I've eaten all during the class?? For example, I know one of the obvious ideas is to eat a banana...or a banana smoothie. I "taste" the banana throughout the class!! Not something I particular enjoy!!! (If you've ever done a kickboxing class, you do NOT want anything interfering with your concentration!!! Especially not the taste of a banana!!!! :-))

It's actually too late to ask this question today because I made a smoothie with tofu, mango, strawberry and whatever else made it into the blender. My next class will be here in just a couple of days. Having a variety of healthy ideas is what I'm hoping to find.
Thanks!!!!

[Saralee]

Melman,

Great job getting into the swing of working out, it can be tough. I usually run or workout in the early evening, and eat a late dinner. I like to snack on turkey rollups (turkey and a piece of cheese), cottage cheese or popcorn (or sometimes just veggies and dip.)

As long as you stick with healthy choices, you have a lot of options, depending on what your tastes are. You might have to experiment to see what is easily digested (or not "tasted", hehe).
It's funny, I have similar experiences when i eat a banana prior to working out. Apples, too, for some reason.

Good luck!

Sara

[Jewel]

In April I was on a 30 day diet prescribed by an LA Diet Clinic that we on the BB affectionately termed 'Turbo Diet'. I was not allowed to have any sugar, salt, dairy, processed foods of any kind, or fats. I was also supposed to do an hour on the treadmill five times per week. The clinician told me he wanted me to eat a Sweet Potato before each workout. He said to nuke it, mash it up, sprinkle some Brown Sugar SugarTwin in it, as well as a bit of vanilla. When I asked why the sweet potato, he said that they were very nutritious, a complex carb that would hold me through the workout, and the extra sugar in the potato would give me the energy I needed. I never worked up the nerve to try it because I've never found Sweet Potatoes appetizing, but he said they were the best 'pre-workout' fuel food there was.

Just one guy's opinion, but it made sense to me! Doesn't mean that I could handle the taste of the darn things, but it still made sense! :D

[Ohioan]

How about a micro-mini-cheese sandwich? I find that when I have to fill in a long space between meals, all I need is one slice of rye or multigrain bread folded over half a slice of Swiss cheese (or a bit of Provolone or other pungent cheese, about .5 oz) and a smear of mustard. The flavors are strong enough to make me feel as though I've really eaten something, the starch (sorry, I'm old enough to distinguish between starch and sugar instead of calling everything "carbs") fills me up, and the protein releases slowly into my system.

It's surprising how satisfied I feel -- and for how long -- after this snack. Think it'll work for you?

Cheers,
Phoebe

[cooksrhot]

One of my favorite quick "light" meals is low fat cottage cheese (about 1/2 c) mixed with Breyers or other light yogurt. It sounds gross, but it's actually quite good. The protein in the cottage cheese lasts and the carbs from the yogurt give you energy.

[Melman]

The sweaty pig is checking back in. ;-) I survived the class. (Ok ok..I've been going for over a year and this is my favorite class.) The instructor periodically likes to do KPBC ("kick-punch-boot-camp") periodically...tonight was the night. OUCH!!

These ideas sound wonderful!! I really like that baked potato idea. I think I'll pick up a couple of potatoes when I head to the store the next time. In fact, several of these ideas sound really likeable to my taste buds. The only ones that sort of make me cringe are the ones containing cottage cheese. I'm not sure why I can't make myself like cottage cheese!! I'm trying!! And as wierd as cottage cheese and yogurt sounds, that might be a combination I could stand.

My tofu smoothie seemed to work well too. I didn't feel completely drained the whole time...and my tummy didn't growl.

Now, I have to go start my shopping list!! I knew I could count on everyone for some great ideas. Thanks bunches!!!!

[Jewel]

Originally posted by Melman


These ideas sound wonderful!! I really like that baked potato idea. I think I'll pick up a couple of potatoes when I head to the store the next time.

Melman, just a quick reminder...this was SWEET potatoes that this clinician says are the best pre-workout food, not russets! You just said 'potato' up there (you say 'potAYto', I say 'potAWto') and I want to make sure you know you're supposed to be chokin' down SWEETpotatoes! (yick!) :D

[Melman]

Yep...I'm already planning to try this on Thursday evening before my class....with a SWEET potato. I'm wondering if I've ever seen Brown Sugar SugarTwin !! I've never even heard of that. But, hey, that's why they make grocery stores......just another "adventure" trying to locate the store(s) that carry it!!
:-)

Thanks again!!! I happen to LOVE sweet potatoes and am VERY happy that a clinician described it as the best pre-workout food!!

[daner94]

Hi Melman,

I don't think anyone mentioned protein bars. There are alot of Luna Bar lovers here. I always have one about an hour before I go to the gym after work and it gets me through. Plus they have new flavors-- orange zest and key lime pie and they are very tasty. A good combo of protein and carbs!!

[emilycat]

Just a couple more suggestions in case you're making a list. ;)

I always run in the morning, so I eat breakfast right before I run, but when I have ever had to eat something before going to the gym to lift weights or for a bike ride, etc., or even if I just need something to stave off my hunger until dinner (I eat lunch at 12:00 and dinner around 8:00, I go for about a tablespoon of peanut butter -- if I have them around, I might spread them on graham crackers.
Also, although some are overrated, glorified candy bars, many energy bars are a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, calcium and fiber. And they don't aggravate your stomach at all. My favorites are Luna, Clif (both made by the same company) and the original Powerbar.