Evening Exercise - When to Eat

SarahAFerguson

I can get time to exercise in the evening usually after 8:30pm when kids are in bed. So for I walk/run (5K) = 1 hr, swim (1/2 hr), or Eliptical (1/2 hr) and I will be starting some minor weight training soon (just starting out and need to learn how before lifting heavier stuff).

I'm usually exercising after I'm done eating for the day, but exercise does not always happen because life can get in the way pretty easily. So I was wondering what to do about my net calories. I have formulated 2 scenarios and am wondering what is better (lets ignore the times when things go according to plan and I break even):

Scenario 1: I eat over my allotment for the day and the planned exercise doesn't happen so I am over for the day

Scenario 2: I eat at or slightly under my allotment for the day and get my exercise but it is late at night so I am under for the day.

Which is worse?

FYI my stats are as follows:
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Height: 5'6"
Current Weight: 196 to 200 lb depending on the day
Body Fat: 39%
Recommended Calories before exersize: around 1,500
Usual cardio burn: 300 to 450 cal

Farburnfred

I am in a similar situation and what I do is eat about 1/2 my expected calorie expenditure back during the day..like today I have had houmous and cauliflower with the children when they have their tea. Then post exercise i will eat the other 1/2 as a protein shake (not necc powder just a choc milkshake with added nut butter!) or a raw food bar (nak'd/larabar type) I find I need something or I wake up starving!

Then if I don't do it I have only eaten an extra 150 or so and I just take it off the next day, that said I am usually quite determined to exercise!

SarahAFerguson

Thanks very much for your reply. Your strategy sounds very practical.