Early Morning workout pre-workout meal

[milkin]

Based on my work schedule, often times I am forced to squeeze in my workout in the wee hours of the morning like before 5am. When this happens, I sometimes leave the gym feeling as if I only gave 80% based on my energy level. I was wanting to get feedback from guys who have been on a early morning workout rotine as to what they eat ( Energy source) before they hit the gym, aside from supplements or compounds. Most of the AM lifters I have spoken to in the gym live on jacked3D, xplode, or some other pre-workout supplement but I am looking for food sources. Then again some guys just down a cup of coffee and roll with it which I can't for the life of me understand how they do that.

Any input ?

 

[rustamouse]

In the morning I will usually just have a protein shake before I work out (with water instead of milk).

I find splashing my face with water and vigorously stretching helps to shake off the sleep and get me in the mood for lifting.

Some may find this weird, but I also sike myself up by breathing in deeply and blowing out aggressively in bursts (more psychological than physiological).

 

[milkin]

I try to get in carbs before my workout so I may grab a piece of whole grain breaad with peanut butter on it and save the protein shake for post workout. This is only a few times a month when I workout early AM due to work schedule. It really challenges my routine but change is good.

 

[82ndab]

I work out in the morning, so I always give myself time for a good breakfast. Eggs, oatmeal and coffee. But I've read somewhere when you're in a hurry, that a protein shake with natural peanut butter, and instant oatmeal mix together as a good quick meal.

 

[Semper Fi]

same as Milkin for me.....EZ PZ!  Oh and 1 strong cup of coffee + MP3 AC/DC.  3 of my workouts per week are at 5:30 am