Eating after exercise?

kmhallett

How long should I wait after I exercise to eat? I always drink a glass of water after I am done, just wondering when the best time to eat is after.
Thanks!

pupcamper

I will sometime eat a handful of nuts in the locker room before my shower other times I skip the nuts and go home and cook a meal - I listen to my body if I am hungry I feed it! Haven't noticed that either way has any pros or cons!

shasha_84

I have heard its best to eat within an hour. Depending on the type of exercise you did, you need to refuel your body with protein and energy.

meggonkgonk

I don't think it especially matters- many people like to get some protein within about an hour of working out to speed recovery, others, like me, tend not to be hungry for a while after workouts. Go with what feels best for you and don't stress about it overly.

thatsnumberwang

Most people say right away, no more than an hour after.

beautyreaps

Well, if you're working out, it's best that you have a pre-workout and post-workout snack/meal.

Eat within an hour post workout and make sure you're eating something high in carbs (it balances protein and aids in muscle repair) and high protein, but low fat (fat'll slow down digestion and absorption and the goal of a post workout meal is to replenish your muscles ASAP). If you'd like to be specific, you have an hour after working out to get that meal in. That's why most people just opt for that quick protein shake.

This article is actually perfect: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/berardi4.htm

DJStewie

I take a protein powder mixed with water immediately after.

TrainingWithTonya

Depends on what you are doing exercise wise for the ratio of carbs to protein that you should have before and after. For most general exercisers (not training for an endurance or strength event), I recommend a 45/45/10 ratio of carbs/protein/fat within two hours before exercise and within one hour after exercise. This is also the best time to have the simple sugars or high glycemic index carbs because they will be used for the activity or stored as glycogen and are less likely to be stored as body fat during that window of time.