Food for thought: What to eat before a morning row?

It’s a question that ponders the mind of a rower. With an answer that can determine the outcome of a performance - it can be the very difference between winning and a loosing. We go to bed dwelling on it, and when the alarm sounds at 5am, we wake up to the one of the hardest decisions of our day:

What do I eat this morning?

Ok, so it sounds simple enough, but what if you eat too much? Two bowls of oatmeal, 4 eggs, and a glass of orange juice can certainly give you one HELL of an energy kick (around 3600 KJ). But what goes in must come out, and unless you have a metabolism faster then Rob Waddell’s 2km ergo, it’s probably going to come out the wrong way. CONGRATULATIONS, you’ve just appointed yourself the ‘boat-washer’ for the morning session.

Sometimes the negatives outweigh the positives

Health articles are always drilling the importance of a BIG BREAKFAST. It’s the most important meal of the day, but prior to an intense morning row, a big breakfast often has to wait.

Ok easy, I just won’t eat as much. But what if you don’t eat enough? You may not be hungry at 5.30 in the morning, but come 15 minutes into your 90 minutes of paddling, you’re going to regret not having that extra bit of energy. Followed by the irresistible smell of breakfast on Southbank and you’re in for a very cruel session.

So what’s the answer?

Well truth is, there’s not one specific answer. We’re all different, and therefore all have different rates of metabolism.  You know your body better then anyone else. What works for you may not work for everyone else. I used to know someone who could drink 2 Big M’s before an ergo, and still hold himself to endure the full session. If that were me, I’d spend more time in the toilet then on the machine.

So instead of ranting on about the typical DO’S and DON’TS of any pre-workout meal, I thought I’d share some of the WONDER-FOODS that I find beneficial before an early morning row.

BANANAS: Bananas are a healthy way of gaining a SUSTAINED and SUBSTAINTIAL boost of energy. They provide a quick source of carbohydrates, which is why they’re a favorite choice for most rowers. The riper the banana, the quicker it is digested and converted into muscle fuel. I usually eat 2 bananas before a morning session.

HONEY: Not only does it taste great! But honey contains sufficient amounts of carbohydrates making it a natural and stable boost of energy for any sport. A great substitution for bananas!

UP AND GO’S: Though not as healthy, Up and Go’s contain the energy and dietary fiber of 2 Weet-bix. Great to have on the go! Though it depends on whether your stomach can withstand the milk.

BEETROOT JUICE: Feeling ambitious? Or maybe you got up too early and needed some time to kill. Beetroots are one of the healthiest foods going around. In response to exercise, beetroot juice contains a quick source of carbohydrates and aids the body to recover by balancing oxygen and increasing stamina. BUT BE WARNED: this food goes straight through you! 1 cup is more then enough before a session.

So there you have it – a list of foods that I consume, or have consumed prior to an early morning row. I’m no nutritionist, but REMEMEMBER, this list is just a vague guide. In the end it’s up to YOU. You’re the one who beats your body on the erg, in the boat and in the gym, so take care of what goes on inside it.