Post Work-Out Hunger.

haaaleyx
haaaleyx Posts: 83 Member
edited November 12 in Food and Nutrition
After I exercise I'm SUPER hungry, I can hardly wait to get out of the shower so I can go make my lunch. Any ideas how to be not so hungry after a workout session ? I know it's natural to be hungry because you just used up a lot of energy and your body needs to be refueled, but when I get really hungry like that I tend to eat more than I normally would if I was just "normal" hungry I guess you could call it.

Replies

  • littleworm23
    littleworm23 Posts: 341 Member
    I'm noticing this problem also. I try to drink a lot of water before eating anything to see if that helps. Otherwise like you said, I tend to want to eat more than normal.
  • KareninCanada
    KareninCanada Posts: 962 Member
    Plan your workout and your meals/snacks so that you eat more before your workout.... that's what I have to do, otherwise I'm a mess after.
  • Swanson83
    Swanson83 Posts: 226 Member
    When I get that way I grab a Gatorade or powerade (the ones with less calories) They help with hunger and with post workout recovery.
  • I am never hungry after working out...I know the window for refuel is about an hour...but I need to wait 30-45 minutes before I can eat...
  • haaaleyx
    haaaleyx Posts: 83 Member
    I'm noticing this problem also. I try to drink a lot of water before eating anything to see if that helps. Otherwise like you said, I tend to want to eat more than normal.

    That's a good idea, I'll do that before I get in the shower that way it has time to "fill me up some" before I go make my lunch.
    Plan your workout and your meals/snacks so that you eat more before your workout.... that's what I have to do, otherwise I'm a mess after.

    and I would do that, but I notice I get that cramp in your side more often if I eat a good amount of food before working out.
  • mrosem87
    mrosem87 Posts: 31
    I was the same way. What works for me is eating 2 hours before working out. Then after my workout, I make a protein smoothie with chocolate whey protein powder, half a banana, reduced fat peanut butter, and non-fat milk. It fills me up and it's less 200cal. It's satiates my post-workout hunger pangs and tastes great, too. =)
  • haaaleyx
    haaaleyx Posts: 83 Member
    I was the same way. What works for me is eating 2 hours before working out. Then after my workout, I make a protein smoothie with chocolate whey protein powder, half a banana, reduced fat peanut butter, and non-fat milk. It fills me up and it's less 200cal. It's satiates my post-workout hunger pangs and tastes great, too. =)

    oooh that sounds really good. I really need to invest in a blender.
  • irisheyez718
    irisheyez718 Posts: 677 Member
    Sorry, no help here. I'm starving after I workout hard. I just eat!!
  • This happens to me too...I grab a light string cheese or a handful of trail mix (or another protein food that is super quick) before the shower, and then it is mellowed out by the time I get out, so I make good choices after that...not desperate starved choices, lol
  • derposaurus
    derposaurus Posts: 53 Member
    I always have this problem when I don't eat before I work out.

    It's very important to eat before you work out. But not too soon before, you don't wanna get a cramp. I usually give it at least an hour between eating and working out.
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    Yeah. I eat something.
  • mrosem87
    mrosem87 Posts: 31
    haaaleyx, I got mine for less than $25 at Target. It's nothing fancy but it does the job! =)
  • neddoh
    neddoh Posts: 116 Member
    Eat half of a protein bar or something like that before you work out and then always have something high in protein afterwards.
  • haaaleyx
    haaaleyx Posts: 83 Member
    haaaleyx, I got mine for less than $25 at Target. It's nothing fancy but it does the job! =)

    Yeah as long as it blends, I'm happy, ahah thanks ! I'm finally starting a new job Monday, so hopefully I'll be able to go out and get one soon.
  • taramaureen
    taramaureen Posts: 569 Member
    I always either eat dinner right after I work out or I have a granola bar. That normally helps a lot.
  • stayxtrue
    stayxtrue Posts: 1,186 Member
    yep i am now eating more since exercising! The exercise obviously gets your body and metabolism going and you need to fuel your body to keep going.. But post workout, I eat so so so much food it isnt funny haha
  • zafferFL
    zafferFL Posts: 402
    Just plan your meals around your workouts.

    There is nothing wrong with having a large meal after working out. I eat half of my daily calories right after strength training work outs.
  • I'm noticing this problem also. I try to drink a lot of water before eating anything to see if that helps. Otherwise like you said, I tend to want to eat more than normal.

    That's a good idea, I'll do that before I get in the shower that way it has time to "fill me up some" before I go make my lunch.
    Plan your workout and your meals/snacks so that you eat more before your workout.... that's what I have to do, otherwise I'm a mess after.

    and I would do that, but I notice I get that cramp in your side more often if I eat a good amount of food before working out.

    I get the same way with stomach issues, but what I've noticed is that if I have something small, like an apple or a banana or something like 10-15 minutes before my work-out that I don't get that way. and I can't recall ever being suuuuper hungry after a work-out, either. So maybe it works? haha.
    I have to try that banana smoothie, though. It sounds like a less calorie-vicious version of a jamba juice "peanut butter moo'd". My faaaavorite drink ever!!!
  • Crystal_Pistol
    Crystal_Pistol Posts: 750 Member
    I just eat. As long as I stay within my caloric limits, if I'm super hungry, I eat like a champ!
  • Protein, protein, protein! Sports drinks are just sugar, your body is still burning, so fuel it with protein to get you by until you can eat.
  • OneChanceOneLife
    OneChanceOneLife Posts: 26 Member
    Eat more meals throughout the day. If you get cramps during your workout you are either eating the wrong foods, eating too much, or not giving enough time between eating and working out. For the most part I avoid fiber or anything else that might mess with my stomach if I do cardio (i.e. eggs), but I try to keep to the protein sandwich (usually a protein shake or protein bar before and after working out). Hydrating will help with the hunger. Although you will be hungry and have to fuel yourself, being dehydrated will also give you the feeling of hunger. Lastly and probably most importantly if you tend to binge eat after workouts, don't stuff your face and inhale your food, lol. I normally have my protein shake or bar and some liquids then shower then eat my meal. I've avoided eating a ton like that but you have to see what works for you.
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