Lunchtime Walks - Eat Before or After?

scyran

My office coworkers and I have started walking a mile outside at lunchtime. Most of them like to eat lunch first, then walk. I like to walk then eat lunch after. Seems I'm hungrier after the walk.

So which is better (if one is better than the other)?

quiksylver296

Neither is "better." Do what works for you.

I personally eat after.

astrampe

Whichever you prefer - why should there be a rule?

cwolfman13

Neither is inherently better...it doesn't matter in the least...personal preference.

fitmom4lifemfp

scyran wrote: »

My office coworkers and I have started walking a mile outside at lunchtime. Most of them like to eat lunch first, then walk. I like to walk then eat lunch after. Seems I'm hungrier after the walk.

So which is better (if one is better than the other)?

I do 3 miles at lunch - either walking or running, and have done so for many years. It totally depends on how I feel as to whether I eat before or after, but usually I eat after as I prefer a late lunch. I don't think you can say one is "better" than the other - it just depends on YOU.

YalithKBK

I eat after as I get those nasty rib cramps if I do any exercise after eating. But it's completely up to you. Neither has any particular health benefit.

Andrea4456

Some sources say that exercising on an empty stomach will result in burning more fat.. I always prefer exercising on empty stomach b/c i'll get cramps other wise.

str8bowbabe

If I eat before, I try to do it about an hour before. I have found if I eat any closer than that, I feel like I am going to cramp up.

Silentpadna

I eat all day long and walk frequently - I always take the verrrrrrrry long way to the restroom (like a mile walk around a large building). Today I walked before lunch. Then halfway through lunch I was kidnapped to watch a flow test and then walked back from there to finish lunch. I don't think it matters. I don't exercise first thing in the morning so I probably never actually exercise on an empty stomach. 2 pounds / week like clockwork....

Eating a bit less and moving more - probably matters not what order. Up to you.

AngryViking1970

I eat after I walk. Personal preference.

scyran

Thanks for the replies! I wasn't sure it really mattered, either.

Andrea4456 wrote: »

Some sources say that exercising on an empty stomach will result in burning more fat.. I always prefer exercising on empty stomach b/c i'll get cramps other wise.

Actually I guess I always thought this ^ too. I exercise on an empty stomach in the morning, and like it better. But I enjoy the company of my coworkers. Today it turned out they were ready to go halfway through my lunch, so I ended up splitting it. It really doesn't matter...!

2wise4u

I also walk a mile on my morning break and prefer to eat lunch afterward because I don't want cramps or to feel sluggish but whatever works for you is what you should do. Congrats on getting a mile in during lunch.

FoxyMars25

I always eat after which gives me more time to walk during my break. I can always eat and work at the same time when I get back from my walk.

AgidGirl

I take lunch at 11, walk, then eat lunch. Good job walking during your lunch!!

Rogstar

FoxyMars25 wrote: »

I always eat after which gives me more time to walk during my break. I can always eat and work at the same time when I get back from my walk.

This is exactly for me. I'm able to eat at my desk anyway, so if I eat afterwards, I can walk for a full 40-45 mins and still have time to cool down a little. I get a little sweaty after a couple miles! Plus, if I eat after, I don't cramp up.

Thanks, you've just inspired me to go do it now and get off MFP!

LessCookiess

I do either just walk when I feel like it

LadyLilion

I eat after, but I do so mostly because I can then sit in my (locked) office and cool down and quit sweating before changing back into my work-clothes. I do enough of a walk to work up a sweat. If I didn't have the privacy of an office with a door, it wouldn't really matter as much, but I'd still prefer to eat after, giving me the ability to relax after the walk and before work begins again.

TimothyFish

For weight loss it makes no difference. I walk before and after lunch because the cafeteria is about 3/4 mile away from my work area.

Andrea4456 wrote: »

Some sources say that exercising on an empty stomach will result in burning more fat.. I always prefer exercising on empty stomach b/c i'll get cramps other wise.

Uh...keep in mind that we're only talking about a one mile walk and the walk would occur immediately after eating. They are likely to be done before much of the food makes it into the bloodstream anyway.

sherbear702

I usually have a snack (hard boiled egg today) around 11, walk from 12-12:40 and eat lunch afterwords. The little snack gives me a boost of energy and then I eat lunch when I get hungry again

Timshel_

I can have food before, but has to be at least an hour before. Nothing to do with body processing or such. I just hate feeling full and trying to exercise. Otherwise I just eat after.

YogaBookLady37

I eat first, then literally rise from the table and walk a mile only because I am so freaking hungry by lunchtime. Whatever works for you.

jalyn413

I like to walk after I eat because I feel like I get tired after eating and it helps me to get a boost of energy

brookielaw

Personal preference. I eat before my lunch walk (usually 2.5 miles) so I'm not hungry. I don't generally eat before a swim or weight training or a bike ride because I don't like the way it makes me feel.

zezelryck

I walk for the whole 45 minutes so just grab a coffee before going back to work :-)

Running_and_Coffee

I don't think walking would elevate your heart rate to the point that you could end up getting sick to your stomach or anything, so I would just do whatever you prefer. I usually run on an empty stomach but have run after a light breakfast with no issues. If you're eating something really rich/hard to digest, it could be an issue if you're doing a more vigorous workout.