Eating after Exercise?!?

agrabau

Question for my wonderful MFP's! I have been working out at 8 or 9 pm for 60 minutes each night because that is when my kiddos are asleep and I have time! It's going great! My question though is- How important is it to eat after you exercise? I usually go to bed around 11pm and don't want to eat so close to going to sleep! So, is it more important to eat after I exercise or to stop eating a few hours before going to bed? I have been eating after workouts about every other night, something small and with protein but wondering if I should skip it? Thanks for your help!

peachNpunkin

I would eat something low cal, low sugar, and low carb, but high in protien. A peice of meat, or maybe even drinking a glass of skim milk.

aippolito1

Definitely at least eat some protein afterwards. Even if it's just chocolate milk or some nuts, little bit of chicken, etc.

fastbelly

Eating before going to bed isn't necessarily bad. However I don't think you should eat a big meal. Usually experts recommend a protein rich snack or meal within 30 minutes of finishing your workout.
Why don't you try some protein shakes or perhaps protein bars? This should be enough to keep you full until you go to bed and to provide you with the nutrients your body needs to recover from the workout.

Try a few options and go with what works best for you.

billsica

With the kids, honestly. I've just been working out however, whenever I can. I don't worry about eating before or after, its hard enough just to get a workout in.

LadyOfOceanBreeze

check out this site...

http://www.active.com/women/Articles/Top_Ten_Nutrition_Myths.htm?cmp=17-2-981

hope this helps:drinker:

best wishes to your continued success!!

rileysowner

Don't worry about eating just before bed. I do it all the time if I have calories available. Here is an interesting article on late night eating http://www.leangains.com/2011/06/is-late-night-eating-better-for-fat.html

Fit4_Life

No roughage or anything like that, that would take a long time to digest.

xraychick77

depends on your goals.

if its to lose weight..its not so much important. there is no rule that says you must eat, except your own hunger and feeling

if its to gain muscle..its very important. according to nutritional studies by universities it is more important to consume food within the first few hours of lifting weights. namely protien and dextrose. as that is when you have depleted your muscles of energy and they are working to repair themselves.

katherines2230

My trainer told me its not so much when you eat but WHAT you eat!

chassist23

I tend to work out late only because thats when I can fit it in with my schedule with work and my work outs are after dinner around 8 or 9 also. I will drink chocolate soy milk after my workout to gain some protein. I would drink regular chocolate milk but I am lactose intolerant. It is also a nice sweet reward after your workout.

agrabau

Thanks Everyone! You guys rock!