Eating after exercise?

maryd523

I usually don't eat for several hours after I exercise (just simply not hungry), but I have people in my life telling me that since I am not re-fueling after a workout my body is breaking down muscle mass. I always work out on an empty stomach, which works really well for me. I lift weights (Bodypump) 2-3 times per week and do 30-60 minutes of cardio about 5 days a week.

My intuition tells me that isn't true, but I don't know enough of the science. Naturally, I don't want my body eating my muscles.

So how important IS it to eat after a workout?

(Please no comments on how I should eat breakfast and eat small meals throughout the day. I don't do that and probably never will.)

UponThisRock

Your intuition is correct. see the discussion in this thread: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/420721-protein-after-i-workout

Demwitted

Leaving a comment b/c I am interested in this answer too. I am usually starving as soon as I cool off after a workout. I have always heard that your metabolism spikes after a workout so you use the calories more efficiently. I wonder if it is true.

mahidac

i dont really like to eat after a workout - but ill grab a protein shake just to get some protein and a fast digesting carb in.

The body eating muscle after a workout thing is just a myth your body has two main 'starvation' energy sources - glycogen and adipose. You will burn glycogen fairly easily (just stored glucose) and fat will begin to beta oxidize if you take an extended fast (usually it takes the body 12+ hours to start beta oxidation of fat)

if you are exercising just to lose weight and not build muscle then not eating afterwards isnt going to impact you negatively - you will not burn muscle because it isnt a preferred energy source for us - it takes the body more energy than it gains to convert muscle protein - to alanine - to acetyl CoA - to glucose, its always gonna prefer glycogen or fat

however if you want to build muscle a good insulin spike plus protein is a good idea, but I can understand not wanting to eat after a workout - i usually dont either.