Night workouts and protein after

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trhops
trhops Posts: 295 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am not able to work out in the mornings so all of my workouts happen in the evening. Trainer says to make sure I have some protein after my workouts and I usually will have a protein bar or shake (only processed type foods I eat). With that being said I thought I read it is best not to eat 3-4 hours before you go to bed. I am still trying to figure my body out and wondering if I am ok with the protein before workout so that I am not eating before bed. Trying to figure out my reasons for not losing lately and I suspect retaining water.
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  • tinalatina
    tinalatina Posts: 499 Member
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    I work out in the evenings as well. But I usually dinner about 1h and 1/2 before. If I have to eat after I will. I heard that eating 3-4 hours was just a myth but im not a specialist so I wouldnt know....Id be interested to find out whats best for "Night Owls" like us.
  • thefuzz1290
    thefuzz1290 Posts: 777 Member
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    Actually you're not supposed to eat a large meal before bed. However, a protein shake (casein preferably) will release protein to your body overnight and help repair muscle tissue.
  • kellsma
    kellsma Posts: 30 Member
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    If you want to get in protein do something like 1/2 cup cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. Lots of protein and low calories.
  • trhops
    trhops Posts: 295 Member
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    The protein shake I drink is only 140 calories, so I guess it wouldnt really have an effect.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
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    I am not able to work out in the mornings so all of my workouts happen in the evening. Trainer says to make sure I have some protein after my workouts and I usually will have a protein bar or shake (only processed type foods I eat). With that being said I thought I read it is best not to eat 3-4 hours before you go to bed. I am still trying to figure my body out and wondering if I am ok with the protein before workout so that I am not eating before bed. Trying to figure out my reasons for not losing lately and I suspect retaining water.

    When you eat doesn't really make a difference, you can eat right up till you go to bed if you'd like.
  • fionarama
    fionarama Posts: 788 Member
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    I have an egg white omelette before I go to bed, 5 egg whites with chopped tomatoes, mushrooms something like that. Really like it!
  • PinkEarthMama
    PinkEarthMama Posts: 987 Member
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    I work out in the evening too. I have a powerbar and a bottle of water, then call it a night.

    Do you have problems sleeping after working out?
  • JennLifts
    JennLifts Posts: 1,913 Member
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    I'm eating then going to bed 5 minutes later. Haven't gotten fat yet. I think you'll be fine!
  • heresmyinsidevoice
    heresmyinsidevoice Posts: 311 Member
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    I work out at night as well. I have my protein shake and after my shower, I hit the hay. I don't think it really matters when you work out - no matter what, you're getting fit.
  • ahni77
    ahni77 Posts: 75
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    you read my mind by asking this question. I was wondering the same thing since I'll have to swap out my early AM workouts for late PM workouts every once in a while, depending on my schedule. Another problem I have is that I don't get home from work until 6 or 7pm, which is typically when I have dinner. I think I'll just have a protein shake/bar as my dinner on days I have to get my workout in late at night (9pm). This info really helps. Thanks!!
  • samatalma
    samatalma Posts: 197
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    Actually you're not supposed to eat a large meal before bed. However, a protein shake (casein preferably) will release protein to your body overnight and help repair muscle tissue.


    Actually, it really doesn't matter when you eat your meals. I eat dinner late usually, AND have snacks before I go to bed. I'm still losing weight. Everyone is different, obviously, but in general, it really doesn't matter whether or not you eat before you go to bed.
  • jrich1
    jrich1 Posts: 2,408 Member
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    Its a myth, it doesnt matter when you eat, your body doesnt know any different for a calorie at 11am as 11pm.
  • demhareis
    demhareis Posts: 35
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    I work out in the evenings, as it's often the only time I have.

    I'll occasionally get water gain, but it's due to what I eat (ie, high salt, etc) that causes it, and not the fact that I'm eating so close to bedtime.

    I usually have protein with dinner so I don't worry too much about protein intake after my workout.

    I find working out in the evenings makes me the right sort of tired at the right time. If I work out in the morning, or during the day, I'll go to bed at my normal time, but find myself wide-awake at three in the morning. Bah.
  • nml2011
    nml2011 Posts: 156 Member
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    How long are you finishing your workout before going to bed?

    Post workout you should have a fairly fast working protein such as whey.

    As everyone else has said have a protein shake and even a few carbs to replenish your muscles.

    Eating before bed making you fat is a myth!
  • eayal002
    eayal002 Posts: 186
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    You need to have protein before going to bed, when you are sleeping your body is busy repairing muscle tissue and healing itself. Protein is a key building block for it to happen. Someone mention casein and that the preferred one because it is a slow release. It will continue to give your body a source of protein through out the night.

    Eat if you are hungry.
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,862 Member
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    Most people can eat right before bed, but some of us can't. People with GERD are advised against it. I have Achalasia and if I eat within a couple of hours of going to bed, I won't get any sleep.
  • jms11416
    jms11416 Posts: 25 Member
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    i work out at night as well and follow it with a protein shake. it's been working well I use EAS Carb control bc it's very low in calories, fat & sugar so really I am only getting the protein plus i stay up for a while so it's about 2 hours after i work out and before i go to bed
  • cracked_belle
    cracked_belle Posts: 18 Member
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    it's more of an issue of eating something heavy right before bed. if it's something light or not too unhealthy, that's fine. but if it's like a big ole four-course meal, the. your body is just sitting (or rather laying, haha) on all those calories. similarly. that's why you're supposed to eat a large breakfast, medium lunch, and smaller dinner -- food is your fuel, so embrace it earlier in day and avoid letting it sit and not be burned while you sleep.

    but a more direct answer to your question: the protein bar and shake are fine after your nightly workout and before bed.
  • tinalatina
    tinalatina Posts: 499 Member
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    I'm eating then going to bed 5 minutes later. Haven't gotten fat yet. I think you'll be fine!

    This is good to know!
  • trhops
    trhops Posts: 295 Member
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    Thanks everyone! :smile:

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