Hungry after workout, but...

leianno
leianno Posts: 21
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm trying really hard to lose weight, and just starting :( I'm 40 and my BMI says I'm obese. Here is my dilemma; Mon - Fri I go to the gym after work, do treadmill (various inclines/speeds) for 50 mins. Then, I do 20 - 35 minutes on the resistance machines. When I leave the gym dinner is only about 2 hours away... but I'm starving! Is it okay for me to have a protein shake or homemade smoothie? Or will I be packing on calories right after a workout?

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Yes, a lot of trainers and professionals recommend eating something, preferably something high in protein, shortly after a workout. Especially if you're starving! I do my workouts in the morning, and there's no way I could wait two hours afterwards for breakfast. :smile:
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Can you have your dinner earlier? You really should get a meal in (protein + carbs(to transport it)) within an hour of your workout. If you can't, I don't see how a shake could hurt if you fit it in your calories - i'd have something like an apple with it (simple carbs to help get that protein to work).
  • leianno
    leianno Posts: 21
    This is very helpful, thank you!
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    You can eat\drink whatever you want whenever you want as long as you hit your calorie and macronutrient goals for the day every day. Post w/o shakes etc. are not required, nor are they counterproductive.
  • dr3wman
    dr3wman Posts: 205
    If your hungry after workouts, you should definetly consume something. Maybe just eat alittle less at dinner. There isnt a specific time you need to eat after a workout..but if your really hungry, you might as well!
  • dancer4308
    dancer4308 Posts: 8
    You should definitely be eating something after you work out. A lot of times I have a small protein shake, almonds, or even a banana. Anything to replenish my muscles and tide me over.
  • mapetry
    mapetry Posts: 16 Member
    I never would have thought of this but the exercise team i work with does the chocolate horion milk cartons after the workout. Before that I used to be starving and thought I would eat a small cow but if I drink one of those It definately perks me up and tides me over and is convenent - I do not have to mess with a shake at 5:00 in the mroning or worry about it going bad.
  • Chicrider
    Chicrider Posts: 17
    You should eat or have a protein shake after a workout don't let too much time go by. Try packing food or a shake in your gym bag. Its so important to refuel after a workout.
  • leianno
    leianno Posts: 21
    Thanks Everyone! I've been having a protein shake after working out, and then just a little less dinner (since I'm not so hungry at dinner time after the shake). It seems to be working great! I'm not starving anymore, and the scale finally budged the other day! Yay!
  • isisbryan
    isisbryan Posts: 105 Member
    *bump*

    I have been participating in Nike Training Club for about 2 weeks. Last night, I did it and eat a normal dinner. 3 hours later, I was starving after heading home from a late night meeting! I stopped and purchased some food that I didn't really want to eat because I couldn't go to bed that hungry. I had to research hunger after workout because I felt that incident was counter productive. I found this helpful.
  • Ninguneado73
    Ninguneado73 Posts: 832
    Chocolate milk, or muscle milk (if you can't take the flavor of protein shakes) For sure, eating something is highly recommended. Great job!!
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Eat when you want. Eating immediately after working out doesn't ruin your gainz. As long as you're in a calorie deficit each day you'll be fine
  • funhouse77
    funhouse77 Posts: 179 Member
    Aim to eat a meal within 30 minutes of working out. 2 hours is too long!! No wonder you're starving!!!

Categories