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

Hannah220190

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

MommyMeggo

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

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

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

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

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

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.