We are pleased to announce that today, March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

eating back workout calories

maximus3355
maximus3355 Posts: 1
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Do I have to eat back my workout calories if I want to gain muscle?

Replies

  • H_Factor
    H_Factor Posts: 1,722 Member
    yes
  • Yes. Specifically in lean protein after you work out, if you can help it :)
  • carolinedb
    carolinedb Posts: 236 Member
    Absolutely yes, especially if you want to gain muscle.
  • Elleinnz
    Elleinnz Posts: 1,661 Member
    Yes - you need to feed those muscles to make them grow - they are already at a disadvantage if you are on a calorie deficit - so give them fuel - some carbs and good protein...
  • brandenocs
    brandenocs Posts: 146 Member
    Not if you're on a protein heavy diet. Example: 50% protein, 30% carbs, 20% fat. It's what I do. A majority of my protein comes from whey and bars. I also take creatine and zma supplements to stimulate muscle growth. I have seen major gains in lean mass, and NEVER eat back my exercise calories. I don't even log them anymore. I just stick to my baseline.
  • deathstarclock
    deathstarclock Posts: 512 Member
    Not if you're on a protein heavy diet. Example: 50% protein, 30% carbs, 20% fat. It's what I do. A majority of my protein comes from whey and bars. I also take creatine and zma supplements to stimulate muscle growth. I have seen major gains in lean mass, and NEVER eat back my exercise calories. I don't even log them anymore. I just stick to my baseline.

    But it looks like you're trying to lose weight
  • brandenocs
    brandenocs Posts: 146 Member
    But my measurements around my chest and arms have increased. So while my weight is going down and I'm burning fat around my mid-section, I'm still gaining muscle.
  • babyblake11
    babyblake11 Posts: 1,107 Member
    you need to eat MORE calories than you burn to build muscle, so yes.
This discussion has been closed.