Starving after working out

I generally don't eat before working out as I find it really slows me down, but soon after I finish I have some almonds and walnuts, a hard boiled egg or two, or some sprouted bread with a little philadelphia or you could have a tbsp peanut butter and that tides me over. Just having something protein dense, maybe with a little carbs afterwards to tide you over, with a glass of water, basically.

I always eat a little something shortly after a good workout or I turn into a snarling hungerbeast that will empty whole refrigerators into my gaping maw. I try to get some fat, more protein, and some carbohydrates - say a banana and a small handful of almonds or something. But even a small glass of whole milk can help.

One of the nutritionists here at work did a lecture on post-exercise nutrition for our training classes on the Trek Across Maine (a 60-mile-a-day, 3-day bike ride). He mentioned something apparently called the "magic 30 minutes", which is the ideal time to get a small 100-200 calorie snack after a heavy workout.

I know people who don't need such a snack and seem to do fine. But I am not one of them. If I miss that half-hour window, do not leave any food where I can see it. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Yeah, I feel ya, that's why I'm not exercising at night, Instead doing it early in the morning / noon before meal.
don't forget to drink a lot of water before touching food.

I have a banana and/or a low fat yogurt before I head to the gym in the evenings.

I have a protein shake right after I work out.

I eat something on my way to the gym after work, an apple or cashews. Luckily my gym is a short walk home and I already know what I'm eating for dinner most days so it's quick and easy to grab. I usually still eat in my gym clothes, no time to shower beforehand because I'm hungry! lol

I recently started snacking on sunflower seeds, Dr Oz said it's good for belly fat, and 1/8 cup fills me up quick!

My BFF who works out at the gym daily, swears by drinking chocolate milk after her workouts. You can buy no sugar, no cal chocolate milk at Wal Mart.

if it has no cals....it's worthless post workout. you need carbs and protein for recovery

oh, I forgot about teh diabetes thing, so maybe those particular ones might not work (maybe they will, I don't know) but you get the idea. Those 3 are my favorite though - the metrx and detour are kind of a "special treat" for me because they taste AWESOME but also have like 390 calories

Maybe eating smaller meals more often during the day will help. Make sure you have protein in a shake or nuts, etc.

I'm not diabetic but I would get plenty hungry at dinner time which is generally right after my workout. I think its really just an issue of meal timing. I typically have a salad at about 4PM with ground flax seed sprinkled on and olive oil at work. Also, I drink a bottle of water before, a bottle during and a bottle after my workout. By the time I'm cooking or sitting down to dinner I now have what I would consider 'normal' control since there are fibrous veggies and flax seeds still taking up some room and since that's a light meal it does not interfere with my workout.

ETA: this high fiber/ low glycemic approach is often recommended as an important strategy to control hormone triggered hunger pangs

I'm having to work out in the evening now due to work, and I make homemade energy bars to eat right before my workout. 250 cals, 15g protein, 10g carbs, 3g fat, 2 g sugar. Then a very light dinner around 730. Works well for me

I drink Eas AdvantEdge Carb control protein shakes, 110 calories 4 carbs(no sugar) and 17 grams of protein. I like the vanilla or chocolate the best. It really helps me to not starve after a workout.

I am one of the protein shake brigade. Soon as I get home after a work out I make one up and drink it while fixing dinner. That way I don't snack or pile my plate up as much when dinner is ready.

How are you doing? It sounds like your fluctuating glucose levels are due to the fact that you are going too long without meals. This is a bad idea, for a couple of reasons.

1. It trains your body to conserve as many calories as possible and slows down your metabolism.
2. It leads to the aforementioned glucose level swings, encouraging you to overeat, especially those foods which contain sugar.

A more moderate approach is called for. Dr. John Berardi of Precision Nutrition, outlines the case for consuming small meals every 2-4 hours. This keeps blood sugar levels and appetite in check. In terms of actual pre workout foods, there are a few things that you can try. Fruit, especially, bananas are a great source of simple carbs, which will provide nearly instant energy and allow you to complete your work.

In good health,

Bob