Post Evening Work-Out Eating

LauraSchaller

Hi Everyone!

Occasionally, I don't get to the gym until 830pm and will typically stay until 10pm. I know there are many people in this same "boat" so I'm hoping someone has good advice

When I work-out in the mornings or afternoons, I usually have a protein shake or Luna bar afterwards. Do you do the same thing when you work out at night? I feel "guilty" eating that late, but I'll wake up the next morning absolutely starving!!

Any advice, tips, suggestions, are appreciated Thanks!!

mapexdrummer69

Meal timing is irrelevant. It comes down to daily numbers and personal preference. I suggest eating foods high in fat and protein at night, seeing that they can keep you fuller longer which may help with morning hunger.

gdr1976

I would do what you normally do. If it's just a snack like that I think you're ok. If you're working out late and then going home then going to bed and want a meal I would say keep it light. You don't want anything heavy sitting over night.

Mkleder

I am always a late night gym rat, due to my work schedule.
Thankfully, I now have a good grasp on my typical calorie burn so I head to the gym with most of my calories for the day already consumed.

However, I do allow for about 300 calories post-workout so that I can have some high protien for recovery. I see my trainer during those evening sessions and he has said that I DO NEED to eat something for recovery, but that it should be high protien and VERY LOW in fat and sugar. Your body needs something to help rebuild muscle overnight, but any fats or sugars you consume will just get socked into storage (i.e. fat cells) because you are sleeping.

I will sometimes just mix up some vanilla flavored whey protein into some unsweetened almond milk, or I will cook up an egg beater omlet with reduced fat cheese, spinich and salsa.