Food before exercise?

 Alright all you exercisers....I recently began the couch to 5k.  I have never been a true exerciser, let alone runner.  I am looking for food that you intake prior to working out that gives you optimal energy.  This morning I drank a two scoop protein shake about 30 minutes before working out.  It seemed to help.  However, I felt is swishing around in my tummy while running which I do not like.  It makes me nauseous.  What do you eat/drink prior to a run that gives you energy?

When I first started to work out I was fine without a snack but as my workouts became more intense I needed something.  I don't do a protein shake before...I do that after.  It's good to have protein within 60 minutes of your workout.  What I do before my workout is a small snack about 45 minutes before my workout.  I have 3-4 apple slices and a tablespoon of peanut butter.  It has helped me fuel my workouts so I can push myself harder.

 Great idea!  I will try that.  I just need something to give me some energy to give myself more endurance.  Thanks for the suggestion!

My trainer at the gym suggested the shakes after the workout. The apples and peanut butter sound good.

I like a little carb before my workouts.. not processed stuff, but whole grains.

steelcut oatmeal is good, and so is a Dr. Kracker Organic large flat cracker with laughing cow spread on it.

After my workouts, I do a a protein drink.   Depending on the amt of protein in yours, two scoops might be way too much.  I'm told to keep it around 20 grams ...

I used to excersise on an empty stomach, but have learned through reading and my trainer that if you to that you burn more muscle than fat. It's good to eat about an hour before you workout,something with carbs and a little protien. Apple and peanut butter is perfect. I usually have a whole wheat english muffin with a little peanut butter. Protien within a half hour of working out will help repair muscle.

I eat half a protein bar 20 to 30 minutes before, and the other half after.  It really helps me keep up my strength through the workout.  Before I started the protein bar, I was losing steam mid workout. 

 I have never mastered what to eat before, liquid before running makes me want to puke. I did do a protein bar before a long run on Friday because I had not eaten and I knew running without eating is a bad idea.  I also have started drinking the new gatorade recover after runnig because it has protein and fewer calories than the ice cream I crave.

 Thank you very much!  I will try these suggestions and see what happens.  They are all great ideas.

Great info.  Thanks!