How long after exercising to eat...

katlou2

I have heard once that you should wait an hour before eating after exercising but was wondering anyones thoughts on this. Usually I exercise in the early AM and eat a bite once I get to work which is usually about 2 hours later but on the days that I know I'm not going to be able to get breakfast in I eat within 30 minutes of my exercise while still at home and this morning was thinking, am I helping or hurting myself by eating an english muffin with egg so soon after moving my bootie.

Any advice on this one??

aippolito1

It shouldn't matter. You immediately need protein to repair your muscles so I try to eat as soon after as I can. When I strength train, I'll do my protein shake right after, then shower, and when I get out, my food (which is half protein, half veggies, SOMETIMES a starch/carb) is ready so I have a meal about 20-30 minutes after I've worked out.

In the morning, if I run... it's usually about an hour after I've worked out because I'm showering, getting ready for work, then eat AT work.

I've heard don't eat any later than 1 1/2 hours after you work out, so I would say as soon as possible. Hope this helps!

leftyy2k4

I eat a banana before I walk/run and than eat the rest of my breakfast right after. Every day. Been working great for me.

SHBoss1673

after makes no difference unless you're talking about resistance exercise and in that case, a protein/carb combo is good immediately after.

It's before you should be concerned with, you should have a carb (moderate carb) about 1.5 to 2 hours before moderate to heavy cardio, longer is ok (within reason), but shorter won't do you much good and may cause cramping.

GooBeGone

IMO, it's best to have somethin 2 either drink and/or eat within the hr after u exercise. most ppl like myself have a recovery drink.

my recovery drink is chocolate milk (ovaltine with almond milk)

if u compare it gives approximately the same as goin 2 the vitamin stores but more cost effective (sista is on a budget lol)

so that's what i do. just drink a chocolate milk & i'm all good

ang696

Agree completely with arielle0489. I've asked personal trainers their opinion and they you can (and maybe should) eat something right after your workout - a protein shake or no-sugar healthy snack work best for me (I'm on a low glycemic diet).

They also say you shouldn't eat about 45 minutes before a workout, and I've had one trainer tell me that it's best to eat something the SECOND you wake up, before even going to the bathroom. Even if it's something small like a couple grapes or blueberries, the earlier you get your metabolism going the better. Just some food for thought Best of luck on your journey and mine!

Nina74

I usually eat something after working out. On weeknights, I usually go home and eat (lean protein & veggies with little or no carbs, because it is usually 8/9PM) within 30 mins of working out. On the weekends, I work out in the morning, I tend to stay longer, take a sauna, shower, etc and the first time I made the mistake of waiting an hour after working out to eat anything (only had water) and I had worked out hard. I was FAMISHED and wanted to eat anything & everything (not good!). Now I'm smarter and I bring a little snack of almonds or something for afterwards to ward off that famished feeling.

So, I try to be 'smart' in my post-workout choices and listen to my body. If your body is saying it's hungry- then eat!

LittleSpy

I have to eat some kind of protein before I exercise or my workout really starts to suffer after about 30 minutes of intense cardio. If I'm exercising in the morning, I eat a hard boiled egg or some greek yogurt about 20-30 minutes before (in the evening, it's yogurt or a nutrition bar or an apple & pb, etc about 30 minutes before). It seems to get into my system just in time to let me sustain a high intensity cardio workout for 60-90 minutes instead of starting to feel drained after 30 minutes which is what happens if I don't eat beforehand. For my longer workouts, after 60-90 minutes of cardio I work on strength training for about 30 minutes so I normally drink a proteiny deal immediatly after working out.

katlou2

Thanks everyone for the input! I'm getting up at 5 and going straight downstairs to exercise so no eating prior (like I probably should) but glad to know I'm not hurting myself for eating something right after!

:happy: