Metabolism

LaceyRuth

Exercising simply makes me not hungry, whether I do cardio or strength. I normally need to eat something very light about 45 minutes before doing anything. Anything too hearty or too close to movement makes me want to throw up. The same goes for afterwards. I know I need to eat and refuel, but my body is extremely picky and reluctant to any intake. Even too much water makes me nauseated!
On my rest days, like today, however, I feel famished. I want to eat anything I can get my hands on!
I'm very new at the whole "exercise thing," but I know that I'm supposed to eat more on days I burn more, and to eat less on days I burn less.
Is this normal? Should I just go with it? Do I need to force myself to eat on those days and I won't feel hungry the next? What gives?
Thanks!

AllanMisner

I wouldn’t worry about it too much. I seldom eat before I work out and will often wait hours after to eat. Perhaps you’d do better to look at your calorie counts over a weekly basis rather than a daily one.

Mr_Knight

That's a non-uncommon reaction. As long your food needs average out to something reasonable, do whatever feels most comfortable.

tomatoey

There have been a few studies that found this kind of appetite-dampening effect in some groups.

I have the same response - cardio keeps my appetite down, for sure; strength training not so much.

CA_Underdog

A post-workout meal should not necessary so long as: (a) it wasn't an endurance (2+ hour) workout and (b) your next period of activity is at least 24 hours away, and (c) that light pre-workout meal included a solid dose of protein and carbohydrates.

http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/science-says-post-workout-meal-not-necessary
http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/pass-protein-shake-digging-pre-and-post-workout-nutrition

LaceyRuth

Thanks everybody!
I definitely made up for the deficit today haha