Advice for a weight lifting newbie

kelsey_frame_666
kelsey_frame_666 Posts: 37 Member
edited December 3 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all. I've been weight lifting for a week now and I LOVE it. Thing is, after my workout I'm not hungry at all. The thought of food makes me feel sick. So I only drink water. Is this enough to repair me? I'm aware of protein shakes etc but would these benifit me? I've read countless articles saying you need protein before and after working out. So I usually eat about 20g protein before workout and around 30g carb. I'm 25, female, 146 lbs, 5"5. Looking to lose fat and gain muscle. Thanks.

Replies

  • giantrobot_powerlifting
    giantrobot_powerlifting Posts: 2,598 Member
    kelsey_frame_666 wrote: »
    Hi all. I've been weight lifting for a week now and I LOVE it. Thing is, after my workout I'm not hungry at all. The thought of food makes me feel sick. So I only drink water. Is this enough to repair me? I'm aware of protein shakes etc but would these benifit me? I've read countless articles saying you need protein before and after working out. So I usually eat about 20g protein before workout and around 30g carb. I'm 25, female, 146 lbs, 5"5. Looking to lose fat and gain muscle. Thanks.
    Its only been a week, I can imagine your not hitting the weights that heavy. Will it be enough to repair you? Your body will be using calories stored from your previous meals. Eventually your appetite may pick up. Mine did after about 6 months.
  • nordlead2005
    nordlead2005 Posts: 1,303 Member
    Meal timing isn't super important. If you are an elite athlete who competes, then maybe it makes that 1% difference and you win!! But for everyone else, it isn't significant. It is more important to stick to it with a solid plan than anything else.

    Hit your calorie goals, get your protein in, and stick to a solid lifting program for years and you'll see great results.
  • Noelani1503
    Noelani1503 Posts: 378 Member
    I get like this too sometimes. Even after a fasted workout I often don't want to eat. I agree with the others that timing is likely insignificant for the non elite. I use BCAAs to help me hit my protein goals if I'm just not hungry enough.
  • sarahkw04
    sarahkw04 Posts: 87 Member
    I started lifting heavy weights about 2.5 months ago now and these days, I want to eat EVERYTHING. It'll come, don't worry! Especially as your weights increase. I recently got into the habit of eating a banana before my lifting sessions and I'll swear it makes all the difference.

    My calorie needs have increased which is a huge mind game after so long of restricting them, but I'm also seeing the results in my gains. It's pretty cool!
  • kelsey_frame_666
    kelsey_frame_666 Posts: 37 Member
    Thanks everyone. Yeah, I'm only lifting 5kg dumbells and 10kg bar bell (deadlifts etc) at the moment (I know, what a weakling right?) I'm gonna look into the BCAA's. Bit amprehensive about upping my kcals over the coming months when I increase weight, but it's all in the learning.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    kelsey_frame_666 wrote: »
    Thanks everyone. Yeah, I'm only lifting 5kg dumbells and 10kg bar bell (deadlifts etc) at the moment (I know, what a weakling right?) I'm gonna look into the BCAA's. Bit amprehensive about upping my kcals over the coming months when I increase weight, but it's all in the learning.

    Don't bother with BCAAs. The studies on them that supposedly demonstrate efficacy compare them against inadequate protein intake. Eat sufficient protein and you're fine. Focus on a balanced diet with a modest calorie deficit, and get on a structure training program, such as a 5x5, if you aren't already. There's no reason to drive yourself batty with details that may or not matter for quite a long time.
  • kelsey_frame_666
    kelsey_frame_666 Posts: 37 Member
    sunnybeaches105 wrote: »
    kelsey_frame_666 wrote: »
    Thanks everyone. Yeah, I'm only lifting 5kg dumbells and 10kg bar bell (deadlifts etc) at the moment (I know, what a weakling right?) I'm gonna look into the BCAA's. Bit amprehensive about upping my kcals over the coming months when I increase weight, but it's all in the learning.

    Don't bother with BCAAs. The studies on them that supposedly demonstrate efficacy compare them against inadequate protein intake. Eat sufficient protein and you're fine. Focus on a balanced diet with a modest calorie deficit, and get on a structure training program, such as a 5x5, if you aren't already. There's no reason to drive yourself batty with details that may or not matter for quite a long time.

    Thanks. Yeah, I've just read a couple of articles about BCAA's and don't seem all they're cracked upto be huh? I'll stick to my chicken, beef and mixed nuts lol. I'm not on a program, as I'm so perplexed by all the different ones out there I've just made my own. See how I fair over 2 months then maybe reassess if nothing changes
  • cglouie
    cglouie Posts: 33 Member
    sarahkw04 wrote: »
    I started lifting heavy weights about 2.5 months ago now and these days, I want to eat EVERYTHING. It'll come, don't worry! Especially as your weights increase. I recently got into the habit of eating a banana before my lifting sessions and I'll swear it makes all the difference.

    My calorie needs have increased which is a huge mind game after so long of restricting them, but I'm also seeing the results in my gains. It's pretty cool!

    Are you me?? :smile: Since I started lifting heavy about a month ago I've been a bottomless pit of eating so I've had to up my calories - just went to 2000 cal/day this week. Like sarahkw04 said, it screws with your head, especially when I've been in a caloric deficit for a year. I'm still trying to get over the fact that I can eat more and not gain weight because I'm burning more through my workouts.

    I, too, recently started to have a banana (along with my protein shake) before my workouts and it's a huge help. It's true that banana's are the magical pre-workout food!
  • BabyLovesToRun
    BabyLovesToRun Posts: 120 Member
    Protein is your friend, I'm usually not hungry after lifting either. I DO take BCAA though, I've found that it actually does keep some of the soreness down after a heavy workout.
  • loulamb7
    loulamb7 Posts: 801 Member
    kelsey_frame_666 wrote: »
    I'm not on a program, as I'm so perplexed by all the different ones out there I've just made my own. See how I fair over 2 months then maybe reassess if nothing changes

    Save yourself some time and pick an established program. Building your own will lead nowhere.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1
  • H_Ock12
    H_Ock12 Posts: 1,152 Member
    I have trouble eating after lifting (fasted or fed)...the smell of food makes my stomach churn. I usually have a glass of water and by the time I've drank it and showered, I can stomach a protein shake. As long as you get your calories throughout the day, it's not a big deal if you can't eat them immediately after training.
  • curlsintherack
    curlsintherack Posts: 465 Member
    loulamb7 wrote: »
    kelsey_frame_666 wrote: »
    I'm not on a program, as I'm so perplexed by all the different ones out there I've just made my own. See how I fair over 2 months then maybe reassess if nothing changes

    Save yourself some time and pick an established program. Building your own will lead nowhere.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    this is it exactly if you determine your own program then you'll only do things your good at. a structured plan like stronglifts 5x5 or starting strength will progress you faster than you think possible and also expose your weaknesses which you can work on. I hurt my shoulder years ago and struggle with the bench press failed some reps this morning in fact but will be back on them when they roll around Friday.
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