We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Eat before or after exercising?

huddleup
huddleup Posts: 46 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I go to the gym after work and am usually hungry by then. Should I eat a snack before I exercise or wait until I get done and eat dinner? Which is better for the metabolism and why?

Replies

  • girlinahat
    girlinahat Posts: 2,956 Member
    personally if I exercise after work I tend to have a snack an hour or so before. This is mostly because if I am hungry that's one great excuse for me not to exercise.

    First thing in the morning however, I just get up and get out, with nothing more than a glass of water to spur me on.

    I don't think there's any fixed evidence to show either eating before or after is better for the metabolism or fat-burning or anything, and most people would suggest it's down to personal preference.
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,588 MFP Moderator
    Do whatever keeps you comfortable and happy, neither option will have a better effect on metabolism.
  • tillerstouch
    tillerstouch Posts: 608 Member
    4legsRbetterthan2 wrote: »
    Do whatever keeps you comfortable and happy, neither option will have a better effect on metabolism.

    This^

    Whatever is best for you.
  • cityruss
    cityruss Posts: 2,493 Member
    Personal preference.
  • RaphaBianchi
    RaphaBianchi Posts: 51 Member
    However it's probably wise to eat something before exercise to keep you going.
  • TimothyFish
    TimothyFish Posts: 4,925 Member
    If I'm hungry I'll usually eat some carbs before I workout. If I expect to go over ninety minutes then I'll eat during my workout. And I always eat after my workout.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories