Do you tend to eat a big breakfast before a day of diving, or keep it light through lunchtime?

Question

When I first started diving, I used to eat a big breakfast each morning, thinking I would need the energy for a couple of dives. But I quickly found I had trouble with heartburn if I ate a full breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast, etc), so I've cut back to lighter fare: fruit, yogurt, cereal, sometimes a pancake or two if available. I've wondered if others had similar experiences with food and diving.

Answer 1

I keep it light and healthy and it has done well for me. If I start with too heavy it usually will cause a problem. I always used to wonder why on fishing boats the galley would be frying up bacon and sausage before the trip out making those breakfast burritos etc. and never fails one or two would always be the supply for chum lol, Good for the business I suppose. For diving it's a bit different at least the boats I have been on. They do put out the spread and it has a good variety from eggs potatoes  to fresh fruit, cereal,  and oatmeal. There is something for everyone.

Answer 2

Keep it light!  I've never been sea sick, but I've seen more people turn green after a big meal before a dive then I care to think about.  Some simple protein, complex carbs and fluids as diving takes energy and is dehydrating.  Also, there is nothing fun about having to use the head on a dive boat!

Answer 3

I usually keep things light until I'm done diving, although I've never personally had problems with getting seasick underwater. Makes me feel better about the giant meal of burritos or pizza that usually comes after diving, too

Answer 4

I am afraid I am with you. When everyone else are eating bacon and eggs, I am eating fruits and not much at that. I do drink coffee and that doesn't give me a problem. I had bacon one morning and my heart burn was with me on both dives. At lunch I still don't eat very much until all the diving is over.

Answer 5

I eat a normal breakfast of cereal and maybe some low acid fruit like an apple or banana. I have had the same problem with heartburn if I eat high acid fruit like oranges or pineapple. I take a couple of protien bars for snacks between dives and a sandwich for lunch and cookies of course. Maria's are the best (Mexican Vanilia cookies).

Answer 6

On Calypso (richardehyman.com) we had no breakfast, practically speaking. Burnt toast and black coffee.

Answer 7

I usually will have some eggs and some sort of bread for breakfast and as far as lunch goes I will usually pick a sub up from publix and snack on that throughout the day.

Answer 8

I can do either a filling breakfast or a snack. Doesn't seem to slow me down or cause issues.