Night workouts and protein after

trhops

I am not able to work out in the mornings so all of my workouts happen in the evening. Trainer says to make sure I have some protein after my workouts and I usually will have a protein bar or shake (only processed type foods I eat). With that being said I thought I read it is best not to eat 3-4 hours before you go to bed. I am still trying to figure my body out and wondering if I am ok with the protein before workout so that I am not eating before bed. Trying to figure out my reasons for not losing lately and I suspect retaining water.

tinalatina

I work out in the evenings as well. But I usually dinner about 1h and 1/2 before. If I have to eat after I will. I heard that eating 3-4 hours was just a myth but im not a specialist so I wouldnt know....Id be interested to find out whats best for "Night Owls" like us.

thefuzz1290

Actually you're not supposed to eat a large meal before bed. However, a protein shake (casein preferably) will release protein to your body overnight and help repair muscle tissue.

kellsma

If you want to get in protein do something like 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. Lots of protein and low calories.

trhops

The protein shake I drink is only 140 calories, so I guess it wouldnt really have an effect.

Acg67

I am not able to work out in the mornings so all of my workouts happen in the evening. Trainer says to make sure I have some protein after my workouts and I usually will have a protein bar or shake (only processed type foods I eat). With that being said I thought I read it is best not to eat 3-4 hours before you go to bed. I am still trying to figure my body out and wondering if I am ok with the protein before workout so that I am not eating before bed. Trying to figure out my reasons for not losing lately and I suspect retaining water.

When you eat doesn't really make a difference, you can eat right up till you go to bed if you'd like.

fionarama

I have an egg white omelette before I go to bed, 5 egg whites with chopped tomatoes, mushrooms something like that. Really like it!

PinkEarthMama

I work out in the evening too. I have a powerbar and a bottle of water, then call it a night.

Do you have problems sleeping after working out?

JennLifts

I'm eating then going to bed 5 minutes later. Haven't gotten fat yet. I think you'll be fine!

heresmyinsidevoice

I work out at night as well. I have my protein shake and after my shower, I hit the hay. I don't think it really matters when you work out - no matter what, you're getting fit.

ahni77

you read my mind by asking this question. I was wondering the same thing since I'll have to swap out my early AM workouts for late PM workouts every once in a while, depending on my schedule. Another problem I have is that I don't get home from work until 6 or 7pm, which is typically when I have dinner. I think I'll just have a protein shake/bar as my dinner on days I have to get my workout in late at night (9pm). This info really helps. Thanks!!

samatalma

Actually you're not supposed to eat a large meal before bed. However, a protein shake (casein preferably) will release protein to your body overnight and help repair muscle tissue.

Actually, it really doesn't matter when you eat your meals. I eat dinner late usually, AND have snacks before I go to bed. I'm still losing weight. Everyone is different, obviously, but in general, it really doesn't matter whether or not you eat before you go to bed.

jrich1

Its a myth, it doesnt matter when you eat, your body doesnt know any different for a calorie at 11am as 11pm.

demhareis

I work out in the evenings, as it's often the only time I have.

I'll occasionally get water gain, but it's due to what I eat (ie, high salt, etc) that causes it, and not the fact that I'm eating so close to bedtime.

I usually have protein with dinner so I don't worry too much about protein intake after my workout.

I find working out in the evenings makes me the right sort of tired at the right time. If I work out in the morning, or during the day, I'll go to bed at my normal time, but find myself wide-awake at three in the morning. Bah.

nml2011

How long are you finishing your workout before going to bed?

Post workout you should have a fairly fast working protein such as whey.

As everyone else has said have a protein shake and even a few carbs to replenish your muscles.

Eating before bed making you fat is a myth!

eayal002

You need to have protein before going to bed, when you are sleeping your body is busy repairing muscle tissue and healing itself. Protein is a key building block for it to happen. Someone mention casein and that the preferred one because it is a slow release. It will continue to give your body a source of protein through out the night.

Eat if you are hungry.

Deipneus

Most people can eat right before bed, but some of us can't. People with GERD are advised against it. I have Achalasia and if I eat within a couple of hours of going to bed, I won't get any sleep.

jms11416

i work out at night as well and follow it with a protein shake. it's been working well I use EAS Carb control bc it's very low in calories, fat & sugar so really I am only getting the protein plus i stay up for a while so it's about 2 hours after i work out and before i go to bed

cracked_belle

it's more of an issue of eating something heavy right before bed. if it's something light or not too unhealthy, that's fine. but if it's like a big ole four-course meal, the. your body is just sitting (or rather laying, haha) on all those calories. similarly. that's why you're supposed to eat a large breakfast, medium lunch, and smaller dinner -- food is your fuel, so embrace it earlier in day and avoid letting it sit and not be burned while you sleep.

but a more direct answer to your question: the protein bar and shake are fine after your nightly workout and before bed.

tinalatina

I'm eating then going to bed 5 minutes later. Haven't gotten fat yet. I think you'll be fine!

This is good to know!

trhops

Thanks everyone!

Animalprincess

my trainer told me the best snack for late nights after a workout or not. he said to have even right before bed! one vanilla yogurt (like danon light & fit) and a scoop of chocolate protien powder. it seriously tastes like choc pudding but so much healthier