I am taking an aerobics class twice a week and it starts at 8am. I usually wake up around 7:15am, then head to class at around 7:30. So I have no time for breakfast. Is it better to eat before my aerobics class or after? Will I burn more calories if I eat after or not? --S.O.

Whether you eat before or after exercising won't affect the number of calories you burn, but having breakfast first might give you more energy and endurance. Some people prefer to just drink a glass of juice or perhaps have a piece of toast or yogurt -- something quick and easy to digest. If you choose toast, avoid high-fat toppings such as butter or cream cheese (use a little jam or jelly, or a thin spread of peanut butter). If you eat this 30 to 45 minutes before your class starts, you should be fine. Be sure to drink water during exercise: about a half cup (four ounces) every 15 minutes.

When you're done exercising, drink another eight ounces or so of water. If you find that you are absolutely starving after exercising, it will be easy to overeat. Try to eat something light but that will carry you through the next few hours. Hot oatmeal (avoid the sugared flavored types), fruit, milk and whole-grain cold cereal are all good choices.

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