Eating After a Workout...Necessary or No?

lilnatn2
lilnatn2 Posts: 55 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I haven't posted on here in years, but I need opinions on post-workout eating!

I typically work out 5-6 days a week, sometime between 6-8 pm, and I go to bed around 10 pm. Usually I'm just not hungry after I workout, but I often eat a snack because I feel like I'm "supposed" to. Is it absolutely necessary to eat after a workout if I can reach my calorie and protein goal for the day prior to exercising?

I've read conflicting articles about this...some saying YES, you have to eat a combination of protein/carbs for rebuilding muscle within 30-60 minutes, and others that say NO, as long as you're not working out again within 8 hours, your body will naturally restore it's depleted glycogen levels before your next work out.

My overall goal is weight loss (about 15 pounds) and muscle toning. Also, I don't work out super hard - I do about a 45 minute combination of toning and cardio exercises, usually burning between 300-400 calories.

Thanks! :)

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Nope, it's personal preference.
  • mtizi
    mtizi Posts: 28 Member
    Only do if I'm hungry.
  • DanSTL82
    DanSTL82 Posts: 156 Member
    No, it doesn't matter when you eat. You could eat everything in the morning, everything at night, or evenly paced throughout the day, etc. All that matters is what you eat in a 24-hour period. I mean, there might be a *tiny* difference from one or the other, but nothing significant enough to worry about.
  • joehalle
    joehalle Posts: 5 Member
    If you are hungry, then eat something.

    If workout makes you lose appetite, then eat when you are hungry.

    If you are worried about fat burning effect or anabolic window, then don't worry.

    Your body is determined by your overall calorie and macro intake over the course of a few days or weeks not one meal or meal timing. :)
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Nope. If you've eaten enough through the day you don't HAVE to eat after a workout
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    Not necessary at all, as long as you're getting enough calories in your day.
  • WakkoW
    WakkoW Posts: 567 Member
    Another vote for no! I workout fasted in the mornings and don't eat until a couple of hours after my workout is completed.

    If you are an elite athlete, it might make a small difference in performance. But then, if you were an elite athlete, you would be taking advice from a coach and not a bunch of strangers online.

    Eat when you want just stay within your caloric limit and nutritional needs.
  • lilnatn2
    lilnatn2 Posts: 55 Member
    I'm loving this consensus - thanks everyone!!

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