We are pleased to announce that as of 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!

Two hour eating window - post workout

BoxingCoachMo
BoxingCoachMo Posts: 420
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
hi guys

I have always been of the thinking that there is a two hour window after you complete your workout where you should eat a good size meal (within the bounds of your calorific target). I tend to have a banana and a protein shake, then a meal an hour after (which comes to approximately 600-800 calories post workout within the two hour window.

he reason to eat in this window is that the rate at which nutrients are absorbed during this period is a lot higher than any other point in the day.

Please let me know your views and how right or wrong my thinking is...

Replies

  • bump :-P
  • bump
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,174 Member
    hi guys

    I have always been of the thinking that there is a two hour window after you complete your workout where you should eat a good size meal (within the bounds of your calorific target). I tend to have a banana and a protein shake, then a meal an hour after (which comes to approximately 600-800 calories post workout within the two hour window.

    he reason to eat in this window is that the rate at which nutrients are absorbed during this period is a lot higher than any other point in the day.

    Please let me know your views and how right or wrong my thinking is...
    Being a body builder my whole life, this has been studied and shown to be true. However I was usually in calorie surplus to bulk up if I ate 600- 800 calories post workout meal.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • timadotcom
    timadotcom Posts: 653 Member
    good information, I always have a homemade protien bar and a protein shake after my workout. I have noticed my muscles do not hurt as much when i do this.
  • loombeav
    loombeav Posts: 391 Member
    My trainer recommends this and since I work out in the late afternoon, I generally have dinner within that time frame after working out.
  • Jennicia
    Jennicia Posts: 409 Member
    I usually eat something with protein in it BEFORE my workout and then usually my dinner post workout that is in the ballpark of the 600 calories.
  • good information, I always have a homemade protien bar and a protein shake after my workout. I have noticed my muscles do not hurt as much when i do this.

    tummz

    You should feel after workouts that your muscles feel empty, ie your glycogen stores have been depleted.

    Do you feel like your energy is restored the day after?
  • I usually eat something with protein in it BEFORE my workout and then usually my dinner post workout that is in the ballpark of the 600 calories.

    good girl :))
  • SarzWix
    SarzWix Posts: 21 Member
    I didn't know that, so thank you :smile: Learning something new everyday on this site :happy:
This discussion has been closed.