Before workout eating bet with wife

Good Morning Men.....on the way to the gym the wife and I had a little discussion about nutrition before going to the gym...........Got Sunday breakfast in bed going to winner..............
I say that you need to eat some protien and carbs before you work out because you need the carbs for fuel during cardio and also you need some protien for lifting weights....   I.E i like to drink a slimfast drink or a protien drink and a 90 calorie quaker oat bar; the wife says that your body will get what it needs from within  she hasn't eaten before the gym for as long as i have known her............don't let me down guys...who is right??? Thanks and have a great day

 You may want to cross post this on the exercise and fitness forum.  That's a good place to get exercise info.  There's a separate nutrition forum but I think you'll do better on the exercise forum.

Sorry Victor, I'm with your wife.  I think that your body needs the protein after a strenuous weight lifting workout more than before to help with recovery of the torn muscles.  I usually don't eat before and just make sure that I drink plenty of water during the workout.  Then usually get a Muscle Milk or EAS shake afterwards. 

This is not based on scientific study, just the way my body seems to work.

Prior to WLS, I would have agreed with your wife.  I did not need to eat prior to going to gym.  I had all the reserves I needed stored up in my body to get through a work out.

Since surgery, especially in the past 3-4 months, I find I need to eat something before going to the gym, otherwise my body begins to revolt part way through my workout - I tend to use a protein shake with some fruit in it - so I am also getting carbs.  If I don't I get super tired and have a hard time continuing.  I have attributed it to the fact that I just simply do not have all the excess reserves to burn anymore.

BTW, I usually will also eat something shortly after as well, within 30 mins to 1 hour, otherwise I find myself getting super hungry by 2 hours after the workout sometimes resulting in bad choices!

If you are doing a fairly intense workout or weights you want to take in protein within 45 minutes of your workout to aid in recovery and allow for muscle repair, a few carbs is good depending on what the work out is as it will quickly rebuild energy stores.

well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/27/does-exercising-on-an-empt y-stomach-burn-more-fat/

 Article to a new study released suggests eating before workout probably the best idea...

 Agree with Paul. If you are doing intense workout you need some additional energy. I trained with a personal trainer and when i was put through the workouts on days I did not get enough protein in during the day I sucked during the training session, on those days I had proper protein intake and a little protein maybe just a bar or shake before the workout I noticed a considerable difference for the better.

However, people are different what works for one may not work for another. I have had people tell me that if they eat within 45 minutes of a workout they get nauseus during the workout.