better to eat before or after workout?

wilmelenne
wilmelenne Posts: 113
edited September 23 in Health and Weight Loss
So I was wondering what everyone thought, and even some professional opinions would be good here.

I personally think it's better to eat after a workout because your metabolism is boosted for up to 12 hours after a workout so if you eat right after then you're body can replenish and digest your food faster. I'm no professional though..

Opinions?

Replies

  • Amcantar
    Amcantar Posts: 43 Member
    I eat a good 300-400 calorie breakfast about an hour before a workout, so I have enough energy to actually get through my workout.
    After a good circuit training workout for about 45 mins, I am pretty hungry again, so I try to eat a snack like a banana after, then a little while later, lunch.
  • YeaILift
    YeaILift Posts: 580 Member
    You need to eat before and after you workout.
  • loriefolk
    loriefolk Posts: 352
    Old article, but may give some insight :)

    http://articles.cnn.com/2003-05-27/health/exercise.time_1_circadian-rhythms-body-morning-exercise?_s=PM:HEALTH
  • squitzwife
    squitzwife Posts: 51 Member
    I would also agree. Some fuel to help you exercise and then eat a snack after ONLY if you are hungry (or if it is a scheduled meal time). It is wonderful that our bodies have a metabolic boost for 12 hours so we don't have to worry that we are "erasing" our hard work. Anyway, as long as you stay within your recommended net calories, you should be doing great. Congratz on loosing 6 pounds in two months!
  • imbwy420
    imbwy420 Posts: 29
    In my experience, eating a normal meal afterwards is the way to go. Load up on water so you don't get tired or hungry during the workout. If you eat too much beforehand you can get cramps or just feel generally yucky, and sometimes it shortens the workout due to these things. But experiment - I'm sure it's different for each person. Good luck!
  • nubreeze33
    nubreeze33 Posts: 270
    I think before and after is a great look. It works for me.
  • Teran0612
    Teran0612 Posts: 263
    I would eat at least an hour before, as to not interfere with your digestion.. And eat a high protein snack or meal after to help rebuild the muscle you just tore down.
  • wilmelenne
    wilmelenne Posts: 113
    @squitzwife-Thanks for the motivation...I thought that was pretty sucky but hearing someone tell say congrats to me is awesome!

    I must agree I generally feel really yucky if I eat a big meal before a workout...but then sometimes I workout really late so I try to eat a few hours before a workout so that I'm not taking in any calories too late in the evening...
  • nextstepsailing
    nextstepsailing Posts: 17
    Carbs before - even the night before. Better fruit for the energy!

    Protein bar, protein shake, yogurt after...your body is looking for protein to sustain muscle health after a work-out. If I do not to the quick bar, shake, or yogurt - I go on a feeding binge. It really helps!
  • kiannlouise
    kiannlouise Posts: 310 Member
    In my experience, eating a normal meal afterwards is the way to go. Load up on water so you don't get tired or hungry during the workout. If you eat too much beforehand you can get cramps or just feel generally yucky, and sometimes it shortens the workout due to these things. But experiment - I'm sure it's different for each person. Good luck!

    I totally agree! I workout as soon as I wake up! then eat breakfast when i get home!
    When I workout in the afternoon, i usually burn off what i had ate for lunch :)

    good luck!
  • fitnesspirateninja
    fitnesspirateninja Posts: 667 Member
    I would eat at least an hour before, as to not interfere with your digestion.. And eat a high protein snack or meal after to help rebuild the muscle you just tore down.

    This is what I've been told as well.
  • poisongirl6485
    poisongirl6485 Posts: 1,487 Member
    I agree with eating an hour beforehand...I've discovered that if I eat right before a work out I get really nauseous and queasy. Not so fun.
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