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2 years, 10 months ago

Is it better to eat before or after working out? Does it really make a difference?

I've heard both options recommended, but I'm not sure what the truth is.
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andreaxxjean's Avatar
andreaxxjean | 2 years, 10 months ago
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This is just personal experience:

I try sometimes to work out first thing in the morning, but I'm so tired anymore so I cant. I end up working out right before lunch because I'm always told "It's better to eat when you're most active."

If I eat right before I work out, I get indigestion and heart burn (gross). The acid builds up so much it goes into my throat and sometimes I burp up food. Nobody likes regurgitated toaster strudels.

Here's what I got from Your Total Health from NBC and and iVillage:

Q: Should I eat before or after I work out?

A: Whether you eat before or after exercising won't affect the number of calories you burn, but having breakfast first might give you more energy and endurance. Some people prefer to just drink a glass of juice or perhaps have a piece of toast or yogurt -- something quick and easy to digest. If you choose toast, avoid high-fat toppings such as butter or cream cheese (use a little jam or jelly, or a thin spread of peanut butter). If you eat this 30 to 45 minutes before your class starts, you should be fine. Be sure to drink water during exercise: about a half cup (four ounces) every 15 minutes.

When you're done exercising, drink another eight ounces or so of water. If you find that you are absolutely starving after exercising, it will be easy to overeat. Try to eat something light but that will carry you through the next few hours. Hot oatmeal (avoid the sugared flavored types), fruit, milk and whole-grain cold cereal are all good choices.
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philipy's Avatar
philipy | 2 years, 10 months ago
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I'm not going to be able to give you sources, but I have read a bunch of things in books, been on seminars, and heard from sports scientists and former athletes.

As far as I can gather, the answers depend on what you mean by "workout", what you propose to eat, and how soon before or after the activity. I guess that's why you've heard all different things!

If you're doing something that will require stamina, e.g. running long-distance, playing soccer or tennis, you probably want to take on some carbs a couple of hours before the game to maximise your energy level when playing.

If you are doing strength training, e.g. working out with weights, apparently eating protein about an hour after your workout will help get the most out the work out in terms of building muscle.

I'm not sure any of this is that big a deal for the average Joe who likes to keep in shape though. It's nice if you can do it, but if it doesn't fit your lifestyle and schedule, it's not a great loss.

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nushka | 2 years, 10 months ago Report

I visit this website everytime I'm concerned about what to eat.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/humanbody/truthaboutfood/best/hellweek.shtml
Now it is yours.

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soundboy | 2 years, 10 months ago
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From experience I would recommend not eating for about 2 hours before you intend to work out. If you eat too close to your work out time, there is a chance you could get a stomach ache and cramps, and the feeling of food moving around in your stomach.

It also depends on the type of work out you plan to do. Something like running I would go with the 2 hours. Something with less activity like weight lifting, you could probably get away with eating a little closer to your workout time without having a problem.

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philipy's Avatar
philipy | 2 years, 10 months ago Report

Yes when people say "not before" they mean "not right before".

But heck, at school they always used to have sports in the afternoon right after lunch. If I remember rightly... it's been a while. :)

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aogwarrior | 2 years, 10 months ago
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I usually try to eat about 1 1/2hrs before a workout, with a good mixture of protein and carbs (I try to keep fats relatively low, as they make me feel more sluggish). This way you will have plenty of energy for the workout, but wont feel terribly full when it comes around. After the workout, I have a large protein shake. Your body can synthesize protein far better post-workout (which is what you want for building muscle), so it is definitely recommended that you get at least 30-50 grams of protein in immediately afterward. Since whey is the fastest absorbing powder, I highly recommend using it. If you are on a bulking diet, try to get at least 60 grams of carbs (make them simple carbs) and 30 grams of protein; if you are trying to lose fat/stay lean, just do the protein (my guess is that this is your goal). So my response is do both, as they each help out a great deal. I will post some links in the references if you care to read more about it.

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nushka's Avatar
nushka | 2 years, 10 months ago Report

I have a problem with the part where you suggest to skip the carbs and "just do the protein". The body needs carbs to use it as an easy source of energy. If you don't have enough blood glucose, the body tries to balance this by using other substances and sometimes it causes a metabolic disbalance because it produces different residues (like ketonic bodies).

aogwarrior's Avatar
aogwarrior | 2 years, 10 months ago Report

I still recommend eating carbs before the workout, because yes, you do need it for energy. Without the extra load of simple carbs after the workout, the body can still synthesize the protein quite well, although not quite as effectively. However, after the workout, simple carbs are more of a mass builder, and if you are trying to lose weight, they will tend to inhibit that (as they are supposed to be simple carbs and will also put on fat). The point of the carb load after the workout though is not purely to regulate blood glucose levels (this will actually happen pretty naturally figuring you have had enough carbs pre-workout), its to cause an insulin spike (which triggers extra muscle growth). Sorry if I ramble a bit in this response, just don't want to miss anything

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linkpraveen | 2 years, 10 months ago
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It depends what time you are exercising, and what kind of exercise routine you are doing
are you doing weight training or aerobics or any other form.

if its evening, that means you have already taken your lunch, and you would have enough energy in you
to do exercise, you cannot exercise on a full stomach as you will end up having other problems

make sure you have enough energy to full fill your exercise routine

if you feel that you need to eat then have a banana or fruit juice before you start exercise may be an half an hour before the exercise

and while doing excursive you can drink water in between to keep you hydrated.

For doing anything you need energy and energy comes from food

most important is to consult a dietician or doctor as
each body reacts differently to exercise and physical training.

Happy exercising

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kerryk's Avatar
kerryk | 2 years, 10 months ago
17
Both, eat something high in complex carbohydrates about an hour or hour and a half before the workout. Something like pasta, rice, etc. That will supply energy. After the workout eat something high in protein (chicken, fish, etc) to supply the amino acids needed to help rebuild the muscles.

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trinifigueroa | 2 years, 10 months ago
3
I eat an hour or two before I exercise. I feel better when I do this. If I have to eat after I exercise, I try to eat salads. I think it all depends on the time of the day you exercise and how long you exercise.

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the_beard's Avatar
the_beard | 2 years, 10 months ago
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well its best to eat before you work out so your body has energy to use so you dont waste muscule and then after to recuperate your bodies lost energy :)
hope i helped

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nushka's Avatar
nushka | 2 years, 10 months ago Report

you don't waste muscle working out. you use glucose. you waste muscle when you don't eat for several days.

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krysstel | 2 years, 10 months ago
4
hi, the truth is what works best for you. If my advice isn't any good, ask your doctor or a registered nutrutionist. Hopefully they can explain it well. :)

If I exercise, junk up and down and bike or job heavily, I have to do it AFTER I eat. About 3-4 hours after because of (acid reflux)

Or I guess you could say that is WAAAAAAAAAAAAy before I eat :)
I have to do it on an empty stomach.

It doesn't really make a difference, unless doing it one way or the other gives you a physical, or other problem.

Drink lots of water, though, as you may sweat it off! have fun!

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