If I don't eat after a workout...

Collinsky

How bad is that? I almost always eat within 30-60 minutes of working out, but today it was almost 4 hours before I got anything in me. I was starving, but my day conspired against me. (Okay, poor planning probably is really at fault... I can work on that.)

In the future, if I'm possibly not going to be able to immediately refuel, would it be better to skip the workout? The "you must refuel after a workout or you lost 50% of what you worked for" school of thought is discouraging to say the least. Is there any truth to that?

And in the future, I'll make sure to have quick things I can eat after a workout -- mostly because I HATE being hungry like that.

UrbanRunner81

I never heard that you lose 50% of what you worked for. The only reason I eat after I exercise because I am hungry. Keep snacks like raw nuts with you if you won't have a chance to eat.

Debbe2

Can you throw a protein bar in your bag? Or bring a protein shake along with you? That'll do it : D

SergeantSunshine_reused

As long as you hit your calorie goal and macros by the end of the day --> you're golden :]

4theking

Not eating after a workout is fine, especially if protein was eaten earlier in the day as it would still be digesting and releasing aminos into the bloodstream for several hours.

FaithHopeBELIEVE

I've never heard that 50% comment before either.

Acg67

How bad is that? I almost always eat within 30-60 minutes of working out, but today it was almost 4 hours before I got anything in me. I was starving, but my day conspired against me. (Okay, poor planning probably is really at fault... I can work on that.)

In the future, if I'm possibly not going to be able to immediately refuel, would it be better to skip the workout? The "you must refuel after a workout or you lost 50% of what you worked for" school of thought is discouraging to say the least. Is there any truth to that?

And in the future, I'll make sure to have quick things I can eat after a workout -- mostly because I HATE being hungry like that.

while you will hear the so called anabolic window is only 30-45 min, research has shown it actually lasts up to 24hrs, so assuming you aren't doing a 24hr fast after your workout, you're fine

coyoteo

I've never heard this!!! I'm probably missing all sorts of vital information! But really, I could never eat right after a workout. Part of the reason I exercise is because it makes me NOT hungry. I think I would get sick if I felt I HAD to eat right after. I usually don't eat for several hours, and sometimes not at all if it's after dinner....and nothing bad has happened...and I'm still losing weight....

bregalad5

Your body runs on a 24 hour clock not a 1 hour clock.

Collinsky

Thanks!! I guess I really just wanted the reassurance. I read the random thing about the 50% loss if you don't eat in the "window" and while it didn't sound quite right to me, it crept into my brain. Today after I got back from an impromptu run (due to the awesome autumn weather and my husband's ability to watch the kids during that window of time) I realized in a mini-panic that I had to get the kids out to an appointment and had no time to even shower (gross, I know!), let alone eat (and lack of grocery shopping meant no quick grabbable food for the road) -- and the idea that I was ruining my workout by not eating when I was supposed to was nagging at me.

I appreciate the voices of reason to outweigh it. Not that I ever plan to go hungry after a workout again -- that wasn't something I'd do on purpose!

Sublog

How bad is that? I almost always eat within 30-60 minutes of working out, but today it was almost 4 hours before I got anything in me. I was starving, but my day conspired against me. (Okay, poor planning probably is really at fault... I can work on that.)

In the future, if I'm possibly not going to be able to immediately refuel, would it be better to skip the workout? The "you must refuel after a workout or you lost 50% of what you worked for" school of thought is discouraging to say the least. Is there any truth to that?

And in the future, I'll make sure to have quick things I can eat after a workout -- mostly because I HATE being hungry like that.

while you will hear the so called anabolic window is only 30-45 min, research has shown it actually lasts up to 24hrs, so assuming you aren't doing a 24hr fast after your workout, you're fine

This is correct ^^^

Meal timing post workout does not matter.

chrisdavey

Your body runs on a 24 hour clock not a 1 hour clock.

not even this. We just use 24hrs so that we can track.

Sidesteal

Yesterday I went to the gym and did chest/tricep. I had a spotter so I was able to push full tilt without worry. Anyways, it went really well but I forgot my protein shake in the fridge at home and it's a long drive.

Got home and right before I made it to the fridge my left pectoral fell on the floor and my forearms deflated.





































(You're fine OP, hit your end of day nutritional goals and you're good).

bregalad5

Your body runs on a 24 hour clock not a 1 hour clock.

not even this. We just use 24hrs so that we can track.

I know, but it's the general idea and easier to type that than a novel that I don't really understand.

AI1108

Your body runs on a 24 hour clock not a 1 hour clock.

not even this. We just use 24hrs so that we can track.

^^ this. the 24 hour clock was made for farmers to keep track of their crops way back when. everybody has their own ongoing biological clock. the 50% rule you're talking about has been debunked many times. not eating right after a workout isn't going to harm you as long as your body has fuel to work with until you get your next meal in.

BenderFitness

I have never read anything to support that. Personally, I am not hungry at all after working out. It takes me a while before I am ready. I am sure you will be fine!

The bad thing about waiting to eat is that your body will start to crave higher calorie items to make up for the lapse. That's why a lot of diets tell you to eat every 3-4 hours. It helps you to eat less throughout the day.

tambamis

O My Goodness - that made me laugh out loud...just sayin'

"Sideofsteal" comment that is.:laugh: :laugh:

Collinsky

Yesterday I went to the gym and did chest/tricep. I had a spotter so I was able to push full tilt without worry. Anyways, it went really well but I forgot my protein shake in the fridge at home and it's a long drive.

Got home and right before I made it to the fridge my left pectoral fell on the floor and my forearms deflated.

FTW. :drinker: