NOT eating after a run...

Maldivesbeachbodplease

Hi all,

So i run late at night (i work very long hours so don't get my run in until around 8.30 at night). By the time i have finished i do not want to eat after (i eat my dinner beforehand in the car on the way home!). is it ok to NOT eat anything after a run? i have a protein shake mid afternoon as a snack so do not really want another after my run!

thank you! xxx

thepetiterunner

You certainly don't HAVE to eat after a run (you're a grown woman, do what you like), but I've found it really helps to curb my appetite the next day. Also, it helps with recovery and also with teaching your body to move energy (calories) around more efficiently (as told to me by my running training group). I totally understand though, I tend to not be hungry right after a run. How ironic, right?

Spence_

I'd definitely try to eat something - lots of my running magazines have recommended 3-5 brazil nuts because of high selenium levels etc.

leahbhollifield

If you're not hungry, try drinking a glass of chocolate milk or chocolate soy milk. It's has an ideal ratio of carbs to protein for recovery.

CarsonRuns

Yeah, get the recovery protein/carb drink in you at the very least. That is essential for muscle repair.

myfitnessnmhoy

If you're not hungry, try drinking a glass of chocolate milk or chocolate soy milk. It's has an ideal ratio of carbs to protein for recovery.

^^^ This. The carbs are a little simple (lots of sugar, no complex carbs), but there's a good amount of protein and it goes down pretty easy. I drink plain milk because it's lower in sugar and have a handful of oats or something for some complex carbs.

Even if it's just a single slice of good multigrain bread with a little peanut butter, you'll recover better with a little teeny something at least.

A small banana and a handful of nuts is a pretty good post-workout snack too.

BerryH

So long as you're well-fuelled throughout the day and not feeling deprived or hungry, eat whenever suits you.

ahamm002

Yeah, get the recovery protein/carb drink in you at the very least. That is essential for muscle repair.

^^exactly. Research has shown that your muscles will recover better after exercise if you have some sort of protein/carb snack afterward. You don't have to worry about the carbs in the drink as long you have them right after your exercise, and the protein will help repair your muscles so that your next run won't be compromised by a lack of recovery.

Ilovedrinkingtea

So long as you're well-fuelled throughout the day and not feeling deprived or hungry, eat whenever suits you.

Ideally you would have a small snack, but the above is good advice. Listen to how you feel.

zhard569

I run around 2:00 in the afternoon and usually don't eat anything until dinner that night around 6-6:30 and have never had a problem. The post workout recovery is mostly myth with a little fact mixed in. Askng as you are eating properly throughout the day no need to "carb up" or "refill" your proteins. Get a good nights rest and eat a good breakfast.