carbs immediately after/before workout

fightingautism

I've read a couple places that carbs are metabolized most efficiently within a couple hrs after a workout. I have t-2 diabetes & usually eat a carb snack just prior to workout to prevent hypoglycemia. Just curious, what is the rationale it's better after a workout than just prior? Seems to me the carbs would just be hitting during the workout & then be better metabolized.

Sharonks

Since it takes about 1-3 hrs for carbs to hit your system I would think eating them 1/2 hr or 1 hr before exercise would mean they would start hitting your system at the height of your workout. Since everyone is different you need to go by what your meter says. It will also depend on when you take your meds and what you take. If you are going hypo because of your insulin you might want to figure out if a lower dose or timing things differently would help. Your dr. or diabetes educator should be able to help you with that.

I think if I had time, I would exercise about 1/2 hr after eating anything. As it is, I usually try to fit it in a little after lunch but sometimes it is mid-morning when I have time. Isn't t-2 fun? I've had it for 13 years and I still can't always figure out what my body wants from me.

neverstray

The research I've read says always eat them after your workout. They wont metabolise fast enough even if you eat them right before. Afterwards, though, is when your body does the work. Actually, when your body is resting, after a workout, is when it's really working out. The workout is just sort of pre-dispositioning you to workout later, when you're resting. I know sounds weird, but that's my understanding of it.