Running on an empty stomach can not only hinder your workout but also make it less enjoyable. Do you know why? Because running without eating can cause fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
So, How soon after eating can you start running? If you prefer morning jogs and are pressed for time, should you eat beforehand? After all, no one likes dealing with stomach cramps.
The timing of your run after eating depends on factors like meal size, its components, and the run’s intensity and duration.
Let’s take a closer look at how long should you wait to run after eating.
How Soon After Eating Can You Start Running?
The wait time before running depends on what and how much you ate.
Foods high in fat and fiber can cause stomach issues for runners because they take longer to digest. Fiber, though essential for health, isn’t absorbed by the body and takes time to move through the digestive system, which can cause cramping or bloating if you run too soon after eating.
Similarly, high-fat meals delay digestion, making you feel like the food is sitting in your stomach during your run.
If you’re planning to go for a run, consider what you eat beforehand. For meals high in fiber and healthy fats, like a big salad or a yogurt bowl, wait at least 2-3 hours before running. This allows your body time to start digesting the food.
Smaller snacks, like a handful of nuts and berries, digest quicker. Waiting about 30 to 60 minutes after such snacks reduces the risk of stomach issues.
If you’re in a hurry, eat something quick and easy to digest, like simple carbohydrates: toast, a banana, crackers, or applesauce. These low-fiber foods digest quickly and are ideal if you plan to run within an hour.
For longer runs, it’s important to eat more and allow enough time to digest. According to a paper from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, you’ll need more than a small snack for runs over 60 minutes and might need to bring food along.
Every runner’s digestion is different. Some can run right after eating a snack, while others need 20 to 30 minutes.
It can be helpful to work with a health professional, like a registered dietitian, to figure out what foods are best for you to eat before a run. They can help you create a plan that works for your body and your running schedule.
What Occurs When You Run Shortly After Eating?
Deciding when it’s safe to go for a run after eating varies from person to person. We all have different digestive systems, so it’s important to figure out what works best for you.
For those new to running, it’s smart to experiment with how long you should wait after eating snacks or meals before heading out for a run. But be prepared – this trial period might cause some discomfort in your stomach.
One thing that might happen if you run on a full stomach is that you could experience what’s known as gastrointestinal (GI) distress. This can make you feel nauseous, bloated, or give you cramps.
Another reason why it’s not a good idea to run straight after eating is because of how your blood flows. When you run, your body sends blood to the big muscles in your legs to keep them moving. But when you eat, your body sends blood to your stomach to help digest your food. These are two big tasks for your body, and they don’t work well together.
What to Eat Based on Run Timing?
So, what should you eat depending on when you’re planning to go for a run?
1. Morning Runs:
Some people like to run first thing in the morning. But if you’re one of them, you might be wondering how long should I wait to run after eating breakfast? . Well, the science on this is a bit mixed. Some studies say running on an empty stomach can help with weight loss, while others say it might not help your running performance.
If you’re going to run in the morning, it’s a good idea to have a meal the night before that’s rich in carbs (like quinoa or sweet potatoes), protein, and healthy fats. This way, you’ll have some energy in your tank to fuel your run.
But if you can’t run on an empty stomach, that’s okay too. Just make sure you wait at least 20 minutes after eating before you head out. And try to stick to something light, like a piece of fruit or a small bowl of cereal, so you don’t feel sick while you run.
2. Afternoon Runs
If you’re planning to run in the afternoon, what you eat before your run will depend on what you had for lunch and when you ate it. Generally, it’s best to wait at least two hours after a meal that included fats, protein, and carbs before you start running. But if it’s been more than four hours since your last meal, you might need a little snack to top up your energy levels.
3. Evening Runs
Running before dinner? That’s okay too. You’ll just need to plan your pre-run snack accordingly. Aim for a small pre-run snack about an hour before you run. Good options include a turkey sandwich, yogurt with fruit, or hummus with pita bread.
But if you’re short on time, a quick snack like crackers, pretzels, or a piece of fruit will do the trick.
Last Words
In the end, figuring out how soon after eating can you start running is something you’ll have to do for yourself. It might take some trial and error, but that’s okay. If you’re having trouble, you can always talk to a coach or a dietitian for some advice.
And don’t forget to keep track of what you eat before your runs and how it makes you feel – that way, you can find the perfect pre-run meal for you.