Eat before or after workout? Thanks?

[Anonymous]

I just started working out and i was wondering does it matter what part of the day you exercise and can you eat dinner after working out

[front2back]

Depends on your goals. If your working out for the sake of being more in shape or for sports conditioning and practice, eat a nice carb and calorie chocked meal at least an hour before. Not too big, but enough to satisfy.

However, if your goal is to burn fat and gain muscle strength/mass, the last think you want to do is eat before a workout. Take caffeine (in a healthy way, like pills) or some other non-carb pre-workout like creatine only. You want your body to burn it's fat, and putting more fat (food) in before is counterproductive. Also, the digestion will release insulin which will screw protein synthesis up. Workout and eat a nice protein and healthy fat rich meal (usually meats) and try to limit carbs. Make sure you eat and get protein shakes at least 30 mins to an hour (I prefer the hour) after your workout, but not before. Again, insulin will screw everything up, so waiting is the best option. I've been doing this for some time now and I've burned off a lot of excess body fat AND have gotten much stronger and bigger because of it. But this is just my opinion, so eat and train how you want.

[Cheeky_Unfortunate]

It's both ends. You should eat steadily smaller meals throughout the day for optimal effects. Try 5 smaller meals instead of 3 large ones.

IF you must stick to the 3 meal elements you want to sandwich your workout between two of these meals.

[Asker]

Problem is I can only work out in the morning

[Cheeky_Unfortunate]

Can you work out 30 mins. after you eat breakfast?

[Asker]

Yes I can

[Cheeky_Unfortunate]

Then you now have a plan.

[sarmac]

Personally, i prefer to workout in a fasted state. i feel to "heavy" if i work out after eating and too tired aswell, which gives me a shitty workout.
try experimenting to see what you like. one day go without eating, the next with eating, or after eating something small. whichever works best for you! it doesn't matter when you go, just as long as you go!
it could also depend on your goal.. if you're looking to lose fat, working out in a fasting state is more beneficial because it forces your body to use the fat as a source of fuel rather than those carbs you ate before the workout.

[FlyingTurtle]

You want to eat something 2-3 hours before working out, that way the energy you consumed will be ready to burn and get you through your workout. After your workout, just eat whenever you're next hungry or is convenient for you. After a more intense workout it's a good idea to drink some chocolate milk or something to replace carbs you lost and give yourself some protein.

[Asker]

Thanks flying turtle

[FlyingTurtle]

No problem friend :)

[sweatgirl]

I am a certified personal trainer and everyone is different. I workout with just coffee in me, but everyone is different. it also depends on what kind of workout u r doing. if u r diabetic one or two I would eat a hour before. never ever skip meals. I suggest eating 5 mini meals 7am, 10a, 1pm, 4pm and 3 hours before bed that's just a example. eat a breakfast high in protein 4 best results. good luck

[Asker]

Thank you.. can you give me an example of some mini meals?

[sweatgirl]

I eat a egg white omolet every morning with 1 slice cheese and veggies, greek nonfat yogurt a few hrs later, salad with protein next meal, low fat granola bar next snack ( 1 serving), 1/2 cup cottage cheese with pineapple next meal and 3-4 hrs before bed 1 serving of oatmeal with skimmilk to help me sleep. I don't eat the same thing every day, but that is a example of what I will be eating today. I keep a food journal.

[bethanyyy]

Eat a few hours before, drink one hour before. And eat a high protein, light meal after working out, and drink.more water.

[Asker]

Thank you

[Datbuffkid]

If you are bulking, second wing is best when after second meal. Eat before 1 and half hour and then go to gym and then eat in golden hour i.e; Within one hour after gym. If you are cutting, Doesn't matter, its going to go off eventually ha

[Anonymous]

Eat before you work out. If you have to eat after working out... have a small snack.

[Asker]

The thing is I want to workout in the morning when I have more time

[J_mills]

I eat a little bit before a workout, I hate exercise on an empty stomach, but have something with some protein afterwards. The calories will be used to repair and build your muscles