eat right before bed if exercise right before bed?

Amy_B
Amy_B Posts: 2,317 Member
edited September 22 in Food and Nutrition
Is it okay to eat right before bed if you exercised right before bed? I know there is some controversy or whatever about if it's okay to eat just before bed or not. Sometimes I will exercise (sometimes weights) within an hour of bedtime. Should I eat (particularly protein)? What happens to my muscle if I don't?

Replies

  • lordofultima
    lordofultima Posts: 293
    Protein is great before bed, the slower-absorbing protein the better. If you're eating before workout and before bed, then I'd say eating is ok, if you're eating after workout and before bed then maybe not.
  • bytebeast
    bytebeast Posts: 3
    I would suggest taking Casein protein prior to going to bed. It is a slow absorbing protein and will help your muscles rebuild while you sleep and your body is not receiving nutrition through regular eating at that time. Optimum Nutrition makes a descent powder.

    I have also heard of people eating cereal high in fiber and complex carbs prior to bed which would be similar in that it gives your body energy while it is rebuilding itself while asleep. However, the Casein would be a better choice.

    Do not eat anything with a high amount of sugar, added sugar, or simple carbs.
  • rckola911
    rckola911 Posts: 24 Member
    i agree casin protien is good. Or regular protien with cottage cheese will slow down the rate of absorbtion of the protien. peanut butter to but its not as good as cottage cheese , since cottage cheese has more casien
  • Amy_B
    Amy_B Posts: 2,317 Member
    Thanks!!!
  • mmtiernan
    mmtiernan Posts: 702 Member
    In general, I try not to exercise right before bed because I have to completely cool down first and sometimes it winds me up so it takes me longer to get to sleep. If I have to workout at night, I plan it so that I have at least an hour from the time I finish my workout until I go to bed.

    However, I always take in some protein right after strength training to feed my muscles. Also, they don't seem to get as sore afterward if I eat the protein within an hour of working out. So, yes, I'd eat in that instance.

    Having said all of that, I also eat before bed if I feel truly hungry whether I've exercised or not - some peanut butter or a small handful of almonds or a small cup of skim milk or some cottage cheese. Nothing big, just a small, 100-200 calorie healthy protein snack because the protein will stick with me longer.
  • musclebuilder
    musclebuilder Posts: 324 Member
    Is it okay to eat right before bed if you exercised right before bed? I know there is some controversy or whatever about if it's okay to eat just before bed or not. Sometimes I will exercise (sometimes weights) within an hour of bedtime. Should I eat (particularly protein)? What happens to my muscle if I don't?

    You should treat your nutrition pre and post the same as you would if you were exercising any other time of the day.
  • modernfemme
    modernfemme Posts: 454 Member
    Truthfully, you should eat 30 minutes, at least, before bed. Or, even if you exercise, your body is up processing that food. The reason is, for many of us, eating right after you exercise means your body is going to hold onto those calories because it's like "holy crap dude, I need some energy!!" If you wait 30 minutes, your body has forgotten about the workout so to speak and you process it as you normally would instead of emergency grub.

    Unless you have a super fast metabolism, i wouldn't eat a big meal before bed. A couple pieces of fruit probably wouldn't hurt though. If i'm super hungry, I will drink a cup of milk to settle my growling stomach.

    I, however, love working out before bed, but only yoga because they have a nice cool down that is super relaxing. Just listen to your body and if you can go right to sleep, awesome. If not, schedule it at another time. And make sure you get lots of sleep; will help you lose weight.
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