Eating after workout?

I did the P90x I attempted the P90x, the instructor said that you need to eat food within 15 minutes...anything after that and your body starts to cannibalize itself!

This is from an article in the NY Times...Does the timing of your food after you’re finished exercising make any difference?
Answer

Post exercise, my rule of thumb, I like for people to eat something within 15 minutes. The reason for that is that the enzymes that help the body re-synthesize muscle glycogen are really most active in that first 15 minutes. The longer we wait to eat something, the longer it takes to recover.

If people are really embarking on an exercise program and want to prevent that delayed-onset muscle soreness, refueling is part of it. Again, it’s a small amount – a fist-sized quantity. Low-fat chocolate milk works very well. The goal is not a post-exercise meal. It’s really a post-exercise appetizer to help the body recover as quickly as it can. You can do trail mix, or make a peanut butter sandwich. Eat half before and half after.

killdontmurder wrote: »

This is from an article in the NY Times...Does the timing of your food after you’re finished exercising make any difference?
Answer

Post exercise, my rule of thumb, I like for people to eat something within 15 minutes. The reason for that is that the enzymes that help the body re-synthesize muscle glycogen are really most active in that first 15 minutes. The longer we wait to eat something, the longer it takes to recover.

If people are really embarking on an exercise program and want to prevent that delayed-onset muscle soreness, refueling is part of it. Again, it’s a small amount – a fist-sized quantity. Low-fat chocolate milk works very well. The goal is not a post-exercise meal. It’s really a post-exercise appetizer to help the body recover as quickly as it can. You can do trail mix, or make a peanut butter sandwich. Eat half before and half after.

Sounds scientific.

Eat when you want it has no effect on weight loss or gain.

I typically eat something high in protein or have a whey protein shake after intense workouts. It keeps me energized and full.

I usually eat 2 eggs when I get home from the gym and sometimes drink milk. I'm re -fueling my body after all that hard work.

You don't need to eat right away. That's bro-science

killdontmurder wrote: »

I did the P90x I attempted the P90x, the instructor said that you need to eat food within 15 minutes...anything after that and your body starts to cannibalize itself![/quote]

Your instructor is an idiot......

OP depending in the intensity and duration of the workout you may not need to eat anything extra at all. If you're doing a longer, intense workout you may want to take in some carbs shortly after as your body is more receptive to glycogen replenishment but other than that nutrient timing isn't important.

I use to eat 6 times a day now I eat twice sometimes three times the only thing that has changed is the amount of dishes in the sink..

I drink a Protein shake after my lifting. If not, I start feeling like I'm going to crash. I normally don't eat dinner until 6:00. Most days I'm done at the gym at 4:00.

sarahkw04 wrote: »

I'm going to go against the grain to an extent. I think it largely depends on your goals and how your body handles exercise. I'm working with a nutritionist, and one of the things she's has me implement is eating something within 30 minutes of my powerlifting sessions. For me (key phrase - "for me"), this has made a big difference with muscle recovery.

I really think it comes down to the individual. Just because it works for me to eat a banana before my 6am sessions and breakfast right after, doesn't mean its right or will work for everyone. Experiment and figure out what works for you.

You do understand (at least in the U.S.) there are no qualifications to be a "nutritionist".

NUTRITIONIST

Definition and Regulation: A nutritionist is a non-accredited title that may apply to somebody who has done a short course in nutrition or who has given themselves this title. The term Nutritionist is not protected by law in almost all countries so people with different levels of and knowledge can call themselves a “Nutritionist”.

From this article:

http://eatrightdc.org/dietitian-vs-nutritionist/

I think the point is that everyone is different and nutrient uptake will be different from person to person, especially based on the intensity of each person's workouts. Find what works for you. A lot of people in competition or athletes will eat shortly after intense workouts to refuel and resupply their body with nutrients for recovery or to prep for a later workout. It matters little to your average exercise enthusiasts.

i eat as soon as i get back from the gym, which usually is around lunch time.
now one PT says you should eat at least hour before a class. i dont really listen to all that it just needs to suit my timings.