Late exercise then need snack

cjaharmon
cjaharmon Posts: 46 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Okay so here is my issue I work till between 5 and 8 pm most nights (I know wide variety of end times there). Usually I try to come home and do a fast but generally health dinner and depending on the night I don't get to the gym till about 7 or 8 pm (depending on what the kids have going on). So I work out about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the night and what my concentration is (just cardio or cardio and strength). By the time I get home between 8 and 9...maybe even 10 I start to get a little shaky and need a snack. I usually do a PBJ to get carbs, protein, and sugar free jelly. But then I get frustrated because I don't want to be eating that late because I know it's not very healthy...or at least that is what doc told me. Any recommendations? If I don't eat anything by morning I am a pretty shaky and feeling funky, and don't have the energy to get up and moving. I am keeping my calories still under the goal even with my PBJ/snack (About 250 calories) but what about eating so late?! just need some opionions or ideas of what else to do. Was thinking of taking the sandwich with me and eating it on the way home to be a little earlier with the snack but not sure that much time makes a difference.

Example of my night:
Worked till 6:15, home by 6:30, Dinner with kids about 6:45 (crockpot gotta love it!), then son to drumline and me to gym at 7:30, worked out for 1 hour, then pick up son, and home about 9:45, kids settled in for night and in bed by 10:30 and I finally got a chance to get my snack at 11 at which point I was feeling weak. This is my schedule at least two nights a week.

Replies

  • nutandbutter
    nutandbutter Posts: 447
    Meal timing is irrelevant. If you need a snack at night, eat one.
  • Hesslau
    Hesslau Posts: 22
    I have this same problem. It is important not to eat a big meal at night because you need to give your metabolism a time to rest. However, if you eat a small snack at a similar time every night you body will work that into its schedule and it will not be a problem.. Go for something low in fat.
  • Crane001
    Crane001 Posts: 1
    I'm no expert by any means but my reading confirms nutandbutter's information. If you are working out regularly then your metabolism should be able to handle the snack and from my beginner's experience with running and lifting, I find that to be true. Your muscles need protein immediately after the workout to repair themselves. My sources: Men's Health and Runner's World.

    ps. I feel your pain with the late workouts. I am lucky enough to have a complete setup in the basement but with two small children and a full-time job, I don't step foot on the treadmill until 9pm. Kudos to you for making the sacrifices for your family and still taking care of yourself!
  • OkieinMinny
    OkieinMinny Posts: 834 Member
    ^^ what they are saying is correct - what time of day you eat is irrelevant.period. I also have been doing later at night workouts getting home at 9pm or so and always have something after - your body needs that refueling - also depending on what you are doing for exercise you may need more protein.

    You have a PBJ - why not plan ahead make it up take it with you and eat on the way home from the gym so you dont get shaky the way you stated
  • cjaharmon
    cjaharmon Posts: 46 Member
    Thanks guys! I was thinking the same thing but wanted to make sure! I am going to try to do the PB&J on the way home Thursday and see how that goes. Tuesday and Thursdays are my bad nights of not getting done till late. Thanks for the info!
  • cjaharmon
    cjaharmon Posts: 46 Member
    Thanks guys! You are all right it doesn't matter that my late snack is slightly later then I would like. I lost this week! :) Now keep it up.
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    I usually don't get home from the gym until around 8 or 8:30 as well. And I eat when I get home, keep it low carb, high protein, and eat until I'm satisfied.

    The way I see it, if you're hungry, eat. If you're not hungry, don't. And it doesn't matter what time it is when you eat, as far as weight loss goes. The only reason docs say not to eat right before bedtime is because it makes digestion move more slowly. Nothing to do with the calories!
  • fragilegoat
    fragilegoat Posts: 26 Member
    Congrats on the loss this week! :) I have the same problem. I just prep a healthy small snack before I work out so that I'm not tempted by more unhealthy things in my moment of weakness post-exercise.
  • wannabehealthy1980
    wannabehealthy1980 Posts: 55
    It makes no difference for me when I eat, I lose as long as I stay at or under my goal :)

    I love MFP :)
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