what to eat before/after cardio/strength workouts

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Grimmerick
Grimmerick Posts: 3,331 Member
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have seen a lot of conflicting information on this and it really is confusing me. I have 4 questions.

What if anything should I eat before a strength training workout?

What if anything should I eat after a strength training workout?

What if anything should I eat before a cardio workout?

What if anything should I eat after a cardio workout?

If someone could clear this up for me that would be AWESOME thanks!!!

Replies

  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,331 Member
    Helloooo anybody out there??
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,346 Member
    I have seen a lot of conflicting information on this and it really is confusing me. I have 4 questions.

    What if anything should I eat before a strength training workout?
    carbs to keep glycogen high
    What if anything should I eat after a strength training workout?
    combination of fast absorbing protein (whey isolate) and simple carbs. Many shakes will do.
    What if anything should I eat before a cardio workout?
    Unless you really need it, nothing.
    What if anything should I eat after a cardio workout?
    Unless you really need it, nothing.
  • Grimmerick
    Grimmerick Posts: 3,331 Member
    Thank You!!! haha I have been waiting 45 minutes for someone to answer this post haha........I was getting discouraged.
  • gettinghealthy777
    gettinghealthy777 Posts: 223
    I heard to have a protein shake after a workout, I walk 1 - 2 hours a night, now I am confused...I wonder if I should be having a protein shake?
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,346 Member
    I heard to have a protein shake after a workout, I walk 1 - 2 hours a night, now I am confused...I wonder if I should be having a protein shake?
    That's considered light to moderate cardio so no you'd don't really need to.
  • Timdog57
    Timdog57 Posts: 102 Member
    I think ninerbuff is right on target here! The only thing I might add is that the answers depend upon your goals somewhat.

    As I understand things, if your goal is purely wieght loss you really don't need to keep your glycogen stores up. Therefore, getting some cards before strength training isn't important. That said, my experience is that when my glycogen stores are really depleted I can't lift at nearly the same level, so it may be beneficial either way.

    As far as the cardio goes, if you are training for performance, not just wieght loss, you might want to have some cards pre-workout to ensure you have enough energy to train at the highest possible level. If you're after weight loss (fat loss) you probably don't need anything before or after cardio with the exception of water. After long intense cardio sessions it's probably good to get some electrolights in addition to the water.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Some very old fashioned advice there. Pre-workout nutrition is proving to be as important as post. Eating nothing before your workout is likely to effect your performance, and reduce intensity and therefore all benifits.

    No matter what you're doing, a little protein and carbs before and after your workout is what you need. Bear in mind it has to be long enough before so that it's not sat in your stomach doing nothing for your workout. Fast protein and some fast carbs kike fruit for after.
  • AnberuChan
    AnberuChan Posts: 1
    http://greatist.com/health/complete-guide-workout-nutrition-infographic

    I find this to be a great infograph. It even has combined recipes that might help out =)
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