Eat before or after exercise?

lrobrn

I was wondering if eating before or after exercising makes a difference in metabolism and fat burning. Any thoughts would be welcome.

alyhuggan

For cutting I used to wait till around 2pm before I ate as I'd finish my workout by then, while bulking I litteraly run through to the kitchen the second I wake up, I have to say I feel energetic at the gym for both but if it's cardio I'd personally eat before. But that's just me for losing weight it's just the amount of a calorie deficit you are in, pretty sure it doesn't matter when you eat them today I worked out at 10.30pm right up till midnight so I had already consumed 3300 calories (diary is open) then had a shake after. But I don't think it matters at all although fast acting carbs usually do give you a small energy boost before!

jaygreen55

I generally work out first thing in the morning so I eat or drink a snack containing 30-50 grams (depending on the length and intensity of my workout) of quickly digested carbohydrates to provide me with the necessary energy to work out. After I work out I have a shake or a meal containing at least 25-30 grams of protein along with carbs and fat to promote recovery and muscle growth

psuLemon

You can eat whenever you like. It doesn't matter if you eat before or after. Just make sure you eat enough calories throughout the day.

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

I've had best results with working out fasted and eating all of my calories right after my workout. Some people feel tired if they workout fasted. If this is the case for you, then you should eat first. My workouts are terrible if I eat first.

RepsnSets

I have to eat afterwards. Im usually so hungry after my workout Im ready to chew off my own arm and leg lol

melindasuefritz

it doesnt matter i say after personal;ly if i did it before my stomach would be too full

Mainebikerchick

I find that eating a small snack a half hour to 45 mins before I work out is about all I can do or I don't feel very good. Then I want to EAT when I'm done!! I could eat a leg too!!!

Tiff050709

I eat a light breakfast. And there are some foods that are supposed to be good for you to eat to help you do better when you workout, like raisins.

Capt_Apollo

depends on a lot of personal factors. when are you working out? what type of work out are you doing?

personally, i like to work out really early in the morning. i can usually exercise fasted, with nothing more than coffee. if i'm doing a long endurance work out, i might have a banana, or a piece of toast and peanut butter. but nothing heavier.

dianamatienzo

It doesn't matter. It's just personal preference whether you like working out on a full stomach and such; It's just about figuring out what makes you feel better and works for you specifically But it really makes no difference, no matter what some myths say

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

I eat a light breakfast. And there are some foods that are supposed to be good for you to eat to help you do better when you workout, like raisins.

Fructose lowers exercise performance, increases risk of gastrointestinal distress, and increases perception of exertion. Fruit is best saved for post workout.

Achrya

I do both! I eat a protein bar an hour-30 minutes before I do weights and a shake after. On cardio days I like to eat a light meal then follow with some water or a shake and an apple or something.

Valtishia

Depends when and what I am doing. If I am going for a morning run, then I eat afterwards. If I do an evening workout with cardio and weights... I eat before and after.

YoungDoc2B

It doesn't matter; which ever way you feel comfortable. Personally, I like to lift on an empty stomach because it seems like I have more energy/ the ability to lift heavier weight. If I'm going to do some intense cardio, though, I like to eat something small atleast an hour before.

CyberEd312

This comes down to personal preference..... I workout in the morning and prefer to eat first thing when I get up and hit the gym about an hour after but again this is what works for me.... Find what works for you...... Best of Luck.....

Mrsallypants

It depends on your workout and your goal. If you just want to burn calories and lose fat with light to moderate cardio, then it's not that important to eat before exercising.

For weight lifting and more intense forms of cardio such HIIT, eat a light meal (not heavy or you will puke) of 20-35 grams of complex carbs such as oatmeal about 60-90 minutes before your workout. After your workout, eat 30-35 grams of simple carbs (e.g. dextrose) with some protein (whey mixed with sugar or just chocolate milk). There is only one time of the day to consume sugar, and it is post workout. Dextrose is the best, fructose (fruit sugar) isn't good.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/341982-sugar-after-workouts/

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/post_workout_carbs.htm

aloranger7708

It depends.

Eating a big meal before exercise makes me feel sick, but exercising on an empty stomach also doesn't feel good. I usually try and have a small snack (like a banana or protein bar and some water) before exercising and then have a big meal afterward. But really, it just depends on you and how your body responds.

michellekicks

Sometimes before... sometimes after... sometimes during :bigsmile:

hedgiie

Sometimes before... sometimes after... sometimes during :bigsmile:

this... except the during part

SJ46

Figure out what works for you. I always eat before, sometimes eat during, and eat shortly after.

twinkfran

I can't exercise on an empty stomach, I just feel tired easily and can't push myself hard so when i work out in the morning I have something very small - e.g. handful of nuts, small banana just as a energy boost and I do a much better work out, but my husband is the opposite and cannot exercise after eating so I guess do what feels best to you

yarwell

I was wondering if eating before or after exercising makes a difference in metabolism and fat burning. Any thoughts would be welcome.

After.

http://www.drbriffa.com/2012/11/13/study-suggests-that-for-optimal-fat-loss-the-best-thing-to-eat-before-exercise-is-nothing-at-all/

alisonlynn1976

I eat before, but not a huge meal. I feel like I don't have enough energy to push myself hard if I've eaten nothing.

sirvivor007

For fat loss...after.

Here is why. You muscles use glycogen as its first source of energy. Once the glycogen stores are depleted you muscle move on to metablising fat for energy. Typical glycogen store last between 2-3 hours. It it has been 3+ hours since your last meal your body will tap into fat stores sooner.

mommy1126

For me, I eat a light snack (usually a few peanut butter and crackers) somewhere between an hour to 30 minutes before I work out. When I finish working out, as soon as I cool off, I eat. By the time I get cooled down good, I am starving!

tkillion810

This depends on your goals and when you are working out. Maybe you could provide us some more details to help answer the question.

sar24

After...

lrobrn

Thanks to all for your insight.