Do I need to eat after an evening workout?

TayaCurragh

Hi all,
I've recently started running, most days I go on short runs (for now) or long walks and some basic strength training a few times I week. I do this about 2 hours after dinner, then I usually shower, relax and go to bed and then have breakfast in the morning.

Do I need to eat after even if I am not hungry? I have read you need to refuel but it seems counter-productive to eat when I am not hungry after dinner.

Any advice will be appreciated

BasicGreatGuy

If you aren't hungry and have gotten in your regular meals, there is no need to eat more, especially with short runs etc.

cityruss

No.

TayaCurragh

Thanks guys, I feel OK how I'm doing it but was reading some stuff online so got a bit concerned.

I guess I'll see how I feel as I build up and can do longer workouts

BrianSharpe

If you're ding shortish runs now there's probably no need to refuel as you're probably not getting close to depleting your glycogen stores.

If you find your runs getting longer & longer you may want to revisit this as your body is more receptive to glycogen replenishment shortly after your workout.

robininfl

No.

I have zero trouble skipping supper UNLESS doing an early morning run before breakfast. If you are hungry and can't sleep, that is your body telling you to have a snack after the workout, but if you sleep well, nope, rock on.

jeepinshawn

I think that depends on your goals. Are you tryign to lose weight? maintain or build muscle? If you are looking to lose then no you dont need to eat, if you are tryign to build muscle, then I'd say you need to make up those calories at some point that night or the next day. I like to "book end" my work outs with protein, so I try to eat a good amount before I lift and after I lift.