Eat before or after

jennis82 · April 2012

Does it matter if you eat a small protein snack before or after you work out?? Is there general guidelines on that?

BrianSharpe · April 2012

Depending on the intensity and duration of the workout you probably want to have a snack afterward to help recovery, eating before a workout is more of a comfort issue. Personally I try to eat about 3 hrs before a hard run (or run on an empty stomach for the easier ones) - I just don't like the feel of food in my stomach when I'm exercising.

jenluvsushi · April 2012

I am not an expert but I have been told that I should either eat 1-2 hours before working out (a balanced meal with 30 grams protein) or drink a protein shake 30-60 minutes prior to exercise. I was also advised that after the workout, I should consume protein (30 grams) within 30 minutes. I think this advice is pretty standard in the fitness industry especially if you weight train.

beduffbrickie · April 2012

I am not an expert but I have been told that I should either eat 1-2 hours before working out (a balanced meal with 30 grams protein) or drink a protein shake 30-60 minutes prior to exercise. I was also advised that after the workout, I should consume protein (30 grams) within 30 minutes. I think this advice is pretty standard in the fitness industry especially if you weight train.

spot on to the above! this is correct, I have a protein shake, banana before and after a workout, do the same and you will see the difference in your performance

scorpiorlr · April 2012

I say after but due to the same reason Brian mentioned above. I rather work out with out a stuffed belly and most of the time if I did I would still likely be hungry after and eat again. I generally take a small snack like Almonds or fruit for after my work out just to sate me after cool down.

monstergirl14 · April 2012

I think a banana or something before you work out will suffice, so you get the energy you need to optimize your workout. Afterwards you should also consume some food as well, since you're body is super tired. That's just my reasoning..