Eating Whole Foods vs Liquids Post Workout

ugogirl1234
ugogirl1234 Posts: 43
edited September 24 in Health and Weight Loss
I read somewere that you should consume a liquid vs a whole food after workouts because whole foods take longer to digest. But I always thought the harder and longer it takes to digest food, the more energy our bodies use which equates to more calories burned. So where do you all weigh in with this issue? Whole Foods or Liquids?

Replies

  • SheliaN1960
    SheliaN1960 Posts: 454 Member
    My workout is later in the evening so I do a protein and fruit smoothie!
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    I think people are probably talking about a protein shake after workouts. They have proteins that are broken down so your body just has to absorb them, instead of needing to digest them. This means that the protein gets to your muscles quickly and helps them recover faster. Which means less soreness and increased strength faster. They're good if you're doing a lot of strength training, but aren't necessary after a normal cardio workout.
  • britt_fit
    britt_fit Posts: 169
    It really doesn't matter. If you're working out over an hour you have about a 45 minute window to consume something so that it will aid best in your recovery. If you're working out under an hour you shouldn't really need recovery (unless it's super intense). I like to drink a glass of milk after a long run, but solid food is just as good!
  • 4theking
    4theking Posts: 1,196 Member
    I think people are probably talking about a protein shake after workouts. They have proteins that are broken down so your body just has to absorb them, instead of needing to digest them. This means that the protein gets to your muscles quickly and helps them recover faster. Which means less soreness and increased strength faster. They're good if you're doing a lot of strength training, but aren't necessary after a normal cardio workout.

    What she said but disagree about the cardio part. Any type of stress on the body is going to elicit a cortisol response. The cortisol hormone breaks down muscle tissue and that is why a whey protein shake is advised. I actually drink my shake prior to weight training as it would still be digesting when I am finished. Then a few hours later eat whole foods.
  • ugogirl1234
    ugogirl1234 Posts: 43
    I think people are probably talking about a protein shake after workouts. They have proteins that are broken down so your body just has to absorb them, instead of needing to digest them. This means that the protein gets to your muscles quickly and helps them recover faster. Which means less soreness and increased strength faster. They're good if you're doing a lot of strength training, but aren't necessary after a normal cardio workout.

    What she said but disagree about the cardio part. Any type of stress on the body is going to elicit a cortisol response. The cortisol hormone breaks down muscle tissue and that is why a whey protein shake is advised. I actually drink my shake prior to weight training as it would still be digesting when I am finished. Then a few hours later eat whole foods.

    I like this method, best. I see a trainer 2X a week so on those days, I will have a protein shake prior to my workouts and afterwards go home and finish my remaining calories.
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