What's best to eat before and after a work out??

finabella
finabella Posts: 176
edited October 1 in Food and Nutrition
Ok my questions is what is the best fuel to consume before and after a work out for maximum weight loss and muscle building?

I get confused weather I should eat protien before or after a work out? Is it better to eat carbs before a cardio workout?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • WiiFitFan
    WiiFitFan Posts: 156 Member
    There have been some recent studies saying that chocolate milk is better than Gatorade type drinks after a workout.
  • luppic8
    luppic8 Posts: 580 Member
    Protein!!!
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    Some things you can eat an hour to an hour and a half before your workout are banannas, peanut butter on a whole wheat bagel, or whole wheat bread..... after again eat a bananna, whey protein, 1% milk, greek or lowfat yogurt, make sure you get some with high protein.... you need carbs and protein immediately following your workout, you have to make sure they are fast dissolving..... the things I listed are fast dissolving.... and yes the fast carbs in the bananna fuel your cardio workout....
  • kristenherrera
    kristenherrera Posts: 37 Member
    I met with a nutritionist last week and she suggested the following:
    Pre workout - a complex carb with a protein (at least 75 calories) so a piece of whole grain bread w a nut butter is a good example, eat this no more than 45 minutes prior to working out

    Post workout - a simple carb such as chocolate milk, or a Lara/Cliff/Pure bar etc (Again around 75 calories) eat this within 45 minutes after the workout

    Hope that helps, I've noticed a difference in my energy level during and after my workouts since implementing these changes:)
  • nukehiker
    nukehiker Posts: 457
    protein before your workout and a recovery drink afterwards
  • corgifan
    corgifan Posts: 155 Member
    I met with a nutritionist last week and she suggested the following:
    Pre workout - a complex carb with a protein (at least 75 calories) so a piece of whole grain bread w a nut butter is a good example, eat this no more than 45 minutes prior to working out

    Post workout - a simple carb such as chocolate milk, or a Lara/Cliff/Pure bar etc (Again around 75 calories) eat this within 45 minutes after the workout

    Hope that helps, I've noticed a difference in my energy level during and after my workouts since implementing these changes:)

    This is about what I've been told too. The main thing to keep in mind is that you aren't eating more than you're working out.
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    don't just eat protein before... carbs give you energy to work out so make sure you get carbs before.....
  • mommymeyersto2
    mommymeyersto2 Posts: 32 Member
    don't just eat protein before... carbs give you energy to work out so make sure you get carbs before.....

    Good to know! I don't workout till my kids nap and follow it up with a whey protein shake. I'm just afraid I might be getting too many carbs on my diet. I checked out my weekly progress pie chart and it showed 55% carbs and the fats/proteins were even.
  • glenr79
    glenr79 Posts: 283 Member
    Fruits and vegetables, and whole grains are the good complex carbs... they have fiber, have a ton of benefits, help you lose weight and give you the vitamins and nutrients you need.... the only time it is acceptable to eat simple carbs is before and after a workout.... protein is good for the muscles but will not give you energy to work out.. that is carbohydrates main purpose in life!
  • mommymeyersto2
    mommymeyersto2 Posts: 32 Member
    Fruits and vegetables, and whole grains are the good complex carbs... they have fiber, have a ton of benefits, help you lose weight and give you the vitamins and nutrients you need.... the only time it is acceptable to eat simple carbs is before and after a workout.... protein is good for the muscles but will not give you energy to work out.. that is carbohydrates main purpose in life!

    Thank you again!!! I've been doing mostly whole grains, fruits and veggies. Steady weight loss so I will stick with what's working. I'm feeling the best I've felt in years and I just started last month!!
  • finabella
    finabella Posts: 176
    Thanks everyone I appreciate your help
  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    To be honest, I avoid food within an hour before and after my workout. I barfed last Monday right after working out, so I'm kind of scared to have my heart racing with a full belly every since.
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