Pre and Post Workout Snack

nomoreexcuses121
nomoreexcuses121 Posts: 57
edited September 29 in Food and Nutrition
Do I need to eat before and after I workout? I'm usually not hungry before, but after I'm usually pretty hungry. I've just been drinking water because I don't want to eat the calories that I just burned! Am I going about this wrong? Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    You should generally eat something within 20-30 mins of a workout, preferably something with protein, give your metabolism some energy. You also dont want to work out on an empty stomach.

    As for eating your exercise calories, its a hot topic on these boards, some say you should, some say you shouldnt.....there is no exact answer. Its different for everyone. Try it for a week, then try it the other way, and see what works for you!
  • LillysGranny
    LillysGranny Posts: 431
    To some extent, I'd say it is a matter of preference as long as you're eating enough by the end of the day. I eat about 2 hours before I workout--usually plain greek yogurt with almonds and a banana. Then I have supper after my workout.
  • fastbelly
    fastbelly Posts: 727 Member
    There's a lot to the nutrition side of working out but this is something you may want to research further, there's loads of resources on the net.

    To simplify:

    Before: (about an hour before) Carbohydrate rich foods

    After: Water & Protein rich foods (Protein shakes for instance)
  • eamjohnson
    eamjohnson Posts: 18 Member
    I don't always get any food in before I work in since I like to work out right away in the morning. However, if you do, I will echo others in saying you should eat something rich in healthy carbohydrates, like fruit or whole grains.

    As far as post-workout snacks go, you can do no wrong with--believe it or not--low-fat chocolate milk. According to studies, people who drink chocolate milk after a hard workout develop more muscle and less fat than those who drink sports beverages with just carbohydrates.

    Check out the post over at Lifehacker:

    http://lifehacker.com/5815625/the-best-post+exercise-drink-chocolate-milk
  • candistyx
    candistyx Posts: 547 Member
    I had smoked mackerel today. It was so nommy. Another day I had smoked trout.
    Smoked fish is like fast food because you dont need to prepare it and its sooo delicious. It's not bad for you either.
  • I have heard this as well about chocolate milk. Do you have any information on what type, or does it matter? I was also thinking that I have some chocolate protein powder. Do you think it would have the same effect if I mixed it with some milk? Thanks :-)
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