We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Soooooo hungry after working out

caffeinatedbookworm
caffeinatedbookworm Posts: 32 Member
edited February 15 in Food and Nutrition
Hello! I work out usually in the early afternoon before my lunch, and often come home and am soooo hungry I have to eat several things before I am full but I would like to stop this :/. It definitely isn't binging, it is just being super hungry after a workout. What do you guys like to have after a workout that is no more than 300 calories that never fails to keep you full? And please be specific, don't say "a serving of carbs/protein/fat," etc., I want to compile some ideas! Thanks :)

Replies

  • stephgetsfit2
    stephgetsfit2 Posts: 72 Member
    I carry a shaker cup with protein powder and drink it right after working out. If i'm at the gym, i use the water fountain to fill up the cup!
  • Shuuma
    Shuuma Posts: 465 Member
    I workout early in the morning and on days when I don't think I can make it to breakfast, I just gulp a quick protein drink to give me a boost and hold me over. Only about 100 calories and quick fill. Also a glass of water is a good way to stop the omgallthefoodnao feelings while you get your lunch together.
  • momof3and3
    momof3and3 Posts: 656 Member
    I drink a protein drink, either make my own or also use a ready made one. I will also eat a plain greek yogurt with fresh berries, after the shake. It helps keep me full.
  • OMGSugarOHNOS
    OMGSugarOHNOS Posts: 204 Member
    how many cals are you eating prior to your workout? I'm guessing not much at all and if that's the case then 300 cals for a post workout meal isnt nearly enough. 300 cals sounds more like a snack to me.
  • rejectuf
    rejectuf Posts: 487 Member
    A few pieces of fruit and some protein powder is great for me after a workout. Some protein for obvious reasons and some sugar in the form of fruit to quickly replenish after an intense workout.

    Some people will do straight dextrose, honey, or a drink like gatorade/powerade.
  • beertrollruss
    beertrollruss Posts: 276 Member
    Pure protein bars are around 300 calories and low in sugar. That could help you stay full for a while.
  • LVCeltGirl
    LVCeltGirl Posts: 473
    Because of the times I usually choose to workout, I try to keep a protein bar (currently like Quest, biggest bang for my buck) for pre-workout and if hungry after workout, I choose a protein drink like Muscle Milk, usually the light version depending on my workout and how my calories have been to that point.

    The amount of calories you're eating pre-workout and the type (protein, carbs, fat, some combination) makes a big difference. I've about passed out (okay only felt like I was going to) because I foolishly tried to use a smoothie with added soy protein as my pre-workout meal (around 230 to 250 calories) and nothing to supplement. It didn't work well and when I "bonk" (I was taught that's the feeling of no energy and like you're close to passing out) like that, I often feel like I could eat a whole side of beef (so yes, extremely ravenous) after my workout.

    So you're pre-workout calories are an important factor in regards to how ravenous you are post-workout as well as the workout you're doing.
  • hnsaunde
    hnsaunde Posts: 757 Member
    how many cals are you eating prior to your workout? I'm guessing not much at all and if that's the case then 300 cals for a post workout meal isnt nearly enough. 300 cals sounds more like a snack to me.

    ^This!

    I've learned to time my afternoon snack and dinner around my workout schedule, otherwise I'll eat anything in sight post workout if I don't fuel myself properly before the workout. It took a few days of me playing around with my meal timing to figure out what worked the best, but what's worked for me is eating no more than 1 hour prior to the start of my workout (I mainly lift), and I keep my sessions a max of 90 min long, including warmup and any cardio time.

    My pre workout snack is usually the following:

    3/4 cup of 2% Greek yogurt
    1/2 cup of 2% cottage cheese
    100g of raspberries
    sprinkle of cinnamon

    Comes in at 298 calories, 33 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbs and 9 grams of fiber

    My post workout snack is usually my dinner, but if I'm really hungry and I need something while dinner is cooking, I'll have a protein shake, which is the following:

    34g scoop of Trutein protein powder
    250ml of 2% milk
    100g of raspberries
    1 tbsp (14g) of peanut butter

    Comes in at 387calories, 36g of protein, 15g of fat, 32g of carbs, and 11g of fiber

    If I don't have enough calories for both the shake and dinner, I'll take out the PB, or use 125ml of milk or water instead.
  • caffeinatedbookworm
    caffeinatedbookworm Posts: 32 Member
    how many cals are you eating prior to your workout? I'm guessing not much at all and if that's the case then 300 cals for a post workout meal isnt nearly enough. 300 cals sounds more like a snack to me.

    Yes, you're right, because I only eat breakfast before my workout. Usually no more than ~250 calories (oatmeal with fruit). And I am trying to lose weight so I'm trying to keep my meals to 5x300, thereabouts
  • emmanuel4everjackson
    emmanuel4everjackson Posts: 53 Member
    I do a protein shake 1st and then an apple 10 minutes after (I love my protein powder). Drink WATER, WATER, AND MORE WATER
  • snapehbp
    snapehbp Posts: 64
    I carry a shaker cup with protein powder and drink it right after working out. If i'm at the gym, i use the water fountain to fill up the cup!

    This or a quest protein bar (cookies and cream is my new fav!).
This discussion has been closed.