Eating a late dinner after workout?

jed1986

I work retail and have a schedule that bounces around everyday. I find it easier to workout after work, but sometimes that means i am done around 10:30 pm and i'm starving for dinner. Is it too late for me to be eating dinner at this time and then going to bed?
I usually keep my post workout meal quite small but lots of protein...Any opinions on this?

young1726

I don't think so. You need to refuel your body after a workout. Stay within your calories and I am sure you will do fine. I don't think the timing that you eat is as big of a deal as people make it.

Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet

Yeah I think you've got the right idea of small and lots of protein

My fiance (he lost 130# right before I met him) always said "don't eat a lot if it's late. If you do eat, make sure you have mostly protein for recovery"

imo if you don't eat much at night, make sure you have a good breakfast.

reese66

I generally always eat dinner within two hours of going to bed because of my work schedule and it works fine for me, everyone's different...

SeasideOasis

I was the same way when I had classes till late in the evenings plus my 9-5. I still ate dinner, but I made them very simple meals. Fish/Chicken, brown rice, grilled veggies. The whole thing only took about 30 minutes and it was still good for me.

julwills

I think you're OK. I do the same thing sometimes

RMinVA

I assume you have some sort of dinner break @ work? I would eat your normal meal...or whatever will sit well with you when you go to work out. Then opt for some sort of protein smoothie after your workout. I don't sleep well at all if I eat anything heavy after 8pm.

mommamills

YEP.....I agree with everyone here. I'm in the same boat and end up eating dinner late. I just try not to eat too many carbs late at night. Lots of lean protein and a salad are my norms for a late meal.

oddyogi

As long as you keep it high protein and low carb you should be fine. Your body likes a good dose of protein before bed anyhow!

Panda86

I don't think so. You need to refuel your body after a workout. Stay within your calories and I am sure you will do fine. I don't think the timing that you eat is as big of a deal as people make it.

I agree.

eeeekie

I generally always eat dinner within two hours of going to bed because of my work schedule and it works fine for me, everyone's different...

same here

Blr31977

Eat a big late lunch and a small dinner..

spirited_angel

I was told by my friend who is a personal trainer and intructor that it is a myth you shouldnt eat after a certain time!!She says aslong as its not right before bed then its fine!!!

Onesnap

Hi there,

We eat late in my house EVERY night. I take classes at the gym where I prep dinner beforehand, and cook when I get home at 7:45pm. We typically eat at 8:30/9pm and go to bed at 11.

My husband is thin, and my weight gain is from traveling for work (so that's how I know that eating late works for us weight wise). My husband also eats breakfast and lunch at work. Think of it this way, in Europe they always eat dinner late. Last night at my gym a gym friend (from Italy) told me "you guys eat like Europeans!" I'm proud to say, yes. Yes we do.

iplayoutside19

As long as you're within your calorie goal...go for it.

shreyaj

YEP.....I agree with everyone here. I'm in the same boat and end up eating dinner late. I just try not to eat too many carbs late at night. Lots of lean protein and a salad are my norms for a late meal.

ditto

writtenINthestars

I was told by my friend who is a personal trainer and intructor that it is a myth you shouldnt eat after a certain time!!She says aslong as its not right before bed then its fine!!!

I agree....my current nutritionist and my last nutritionist all said the same thing and I hve never had negative effects from eating late or before bed...just make wise choices!