Eat before or after exercising?

huddleup

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?

girlinahat

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

Do whatever keeps you comfortable and happy, neither option will have a better effect on metabolism.

tillerstouch

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

Personal preference.

RaphaBianchi

However it's probably wise to eat something before exercise to keep you going.

TimothyFish

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.