Been having a Michael Phelps diet pre-workout (gym, workouts, train)

[Lital_The_Best]

Lately an hour or two before I workout I have been having some food high in carbs to give me energy and it has been working. I'll have like some pasta (plain, no sauce) a small slice of pizza, bread, rice etc. Along with that I'll probably have a green tea or caffeine pill for some extra energy and I find myself to work even harder. Especially after working long hours and coming to the gym exhausted, I find that it definitely boost me up.

Maybe its just me but I think the carbs definitely give me the energy necessary and since I'm not trying to lose weight its not a hindrance to my fitness goals. Michael Phelps used to load up on carbs before he went swimming and he isn't a fat slob.

Anyone else consume any carbs before a workout? How do you think it would effect those trying to lose weight?

[bballniket]

Lital_The_Best, I actually consume carbs in form of liquids (coconut water) during my workouts. This way my workouts are successful, and the carbs consumed are not sufficient to negatively impact body composition.

[hoffdano]

Depending on the duration and intensity of your workouts, eating some carbs before your workout might be beneficial. But comparing to Michael Phelps is probably not meaningful unless you train like him. He doesn't just go out for a swim. He TRAINS at upper aerobic and above levels for perhaps 24 hours a week (two times a day for six days a week). He regularly depletes the energy stored in his body.

Do you train like that?

I suspect the caffeine has more material benefit for you than the carbs you eat - since the time delay for their benefit could be too long.