Better to eat before or after workout?
Better to eat before or after workout?
05-16-2011, 05:00 AM
#2
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Slidell, Louisiana
Posts: 8,232
I usually do both. But I guess it depends on what type of workout you are doing and if you have enough energy to make it through it.
I'll eat something before so I'll have enough energy to make it though, then something after to replenish my body.
IMO you should always consume a fast digesting protein and carb after a workout, be it a meal or a shake of some sort.
I'll eat something before so I'll have enough energy to make it though, then something after to replenish my body.
IMO you should always consume a fast digesting protein and carb after a workout, be it a meal or a shake of some sort.
05-16-2011, 01:36 PM
#3
FitDay Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,742
I'm with Mike on this one. Typically I eat a banana or an orange before my workout (and a cup or two of coffee). After I'm done I generally eat breakfast and gravitate towards a high protein meal, eggs, cottage cheese, tuna, etc etc.
05-28-2011, 01:35 AM
#5
FitDay Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2
My opinion (based on some education and some research) is that you definitely want to take in some carbs about 30-15 minutes before exercise, to fuel your body for the exertion and give yourself enough energy to push yourself to exercise at your maximum level. After you're through exercising, you should take in carbs & protein ASAP, at about a 3:1 ratio, and about 30-60 minutes later, have a protein-heavy meal. A number of studies have shown that up to 400 extra calories from immediately before & after resistance training actually help you lose pounds of body fat even faster than if you skip those 400 calories. Hope that helps! 
06-01-2011, 09:17 AM
#6
FitDay Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 113
If you are hungry, uncomfortable and low on energy during your workout then eat a little something beforehand. But make sure you don't eat too much that would also make you uncomfortable when working out. It really depends on what works best for you as well as what time of day you workout.
07-30-2011, 12:55 PM
#7
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: 86
Posts: 1,875
I do both. An hour before I'll eat yogurt for the protein/carbs, and then 30 minutes prior to I'll eat some Wheat Thins for the carbs. Since I've been biking in 95+ temps and humidity lately, I will also do some Gatoraide an hour before (and mix in some Creatine).
After working out I'm usually very hungry, and I'll down a dill pickle or two immediately when I get home. That will hold me until I shower and my body cools down, then I can prepare lunch and eat more heavily.
After working out I'm usually very hungry, and I'll down a dill pickle or two immediately when I get home. That will hold me until I shower and my body cools down, then I can prepare lunch and eat more heavily.
08-05-2011, 05:42 AM
#8
FitDay Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 8
You want some quick carbs before the workout, to get you THROUGH the workout. After the workout (in that 15-30 minute window that was mentioned), you want something high in carbs with a little protein.
The point of the after-workout snack is to stop your body from eating your muscles for energy. The last thing you'd want is for your workout to burn muscle instead of fat. Muscles are dense, so you look slimmer at any given weight, and they take calories to maintain, so they help you lose weight!
The point of the after-workout snack is to stop your body from eating your muscles for energy. The last thing you'd want is for your workout to burn muscle instead of fat. Muscles are dense, so you look slimmer at any given weight, and they take calories to maintain, so they help you lose weight!
