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Does it really make a difference when you eat carbs...

Hannah220190
Hannah220190 Posts: 83 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Currently I'm wanting to see whether there is any benefit to eating the majority of my carbs around my workouts. I currently eat between 300-350g per day, spilt into 4 meals & 2 snacks. Each meal equates to at least 60g carbs, obviously one of these meals are post workout.

Thoughts please

Replies

  • MommyMeggo
    MommyMeggo Posts: 1,222 Member
    Carbs (in the correct amount of course) are essential for so many things including energy. Carbs+energy expenditure=burning those carbs as fuel. So it makes sense to eat them before workouts.
    I like to eat the bulk of my carbs in the AM to fuel my body while I'm active for the day and I exercise around lunch. But Im here to see what the pros say. :)
  • Hannah220190
    Hannah220190 Posts: 83 Member
    MommyMeggo wrote: »
    Carbs (in the correct amount of course) are essential for so many things including energy. Carbs+energy expenditure=burning those carbs as fuel. So it makes sense to eat them before workouts.
    I like to eat the bulk of my carbs in the AM to fuel my body while I'm active for the day and I exercise around lunch. But Im here to see what the pros say. :)

    Me too, gradually I eat all my carbs throughout my day. I'm not sure I could stomach more than 60-70g in each meal...
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    Yes...No...Maybe??? I have seen studies all over the place on this. Some say morning. others say evening. Honestly I really think it depends on the individual and there is no universal truth.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    I haven't found that it makes much difference for me. I eat starchy carbs at dinner and seem to have a positive effect in a morning run, so I don't think you have to time it that precisely. I tried timing once and it drove me crazy, so I mostly time my workouts so I can have a regular meal not too long after (which would include both carbs and protein). That said, some swear by it and if you want to experiment with it, I would.
  • Michael190lbs
    Michael190lbs Posts: 1,510 Member
    edited January 2016
    technically your body doesn't need carbs at all.. Protein and fat calories will store as glycogen and be used for the energy you need during a workout. Carbs do help with the going to the bathroom but that is another question..

    I workout at 430 am 75 min weights then 50 min of biking 20-22 miles I do this a minimum of five days a week with only C4 pre workout after having slept 7 hours. After my workout I eat about 1000-1500 calories about 100 grams of protein, fat (50 grams) and about 50 g's of carbs
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    Hannah220190 wrote: »
    Currently I'm wanting to see whether there is any benefit to eating the majority of my carbs around my workouts. I currently eat between 300-350g per day, spilt into 4 meals & 2 snacks. Each meal equates to at least 60g carbs, obviously one of these meals are post workout.

    Thoughts please

    What specific benefit are you wanting?

    Some people benefit from a quick burst of energy before a workout - others tend to prefer working out fasted. But it's more personal preference or personal response than an overall blanket recommendation that one is superior.

    As far as weight management/muscle building, etc , timing doesn't seem to have any sort of significant effect.
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