Eating after a workout

[amybajamy]

I just saw a post about what to eat after a workout and I was wondering how important it is to eat afterwards because during the week I workout at about 9 or 10pm.

Amy

 

[Fit_mommy]

If you don't want to really eat something, atleast drink a protein shake. IMO it's very important to give your body some fuel after a work out! It will help keep you strong for the next day! Besides, if you are eating (or drinking a shake) shortly after the work out, even if at 11pm, your metabolism is still revved up from your work out so I really wouldn't worry about it having a negative effect at all!

BTW-I am doing the January rotation right now which is very intense. The intensity has bumped up my appetite and I find myself hungry (and eating!!!) pretty much right before bed (usually a bowl of kashi cereal with f/f milk)! This has not negatively affected me...I am still seeing results. Weight and body fat have both decreased...

HTH!

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

I think it is important to eat something as soon after a workout as possible. It refuels the muscles so that they have what it takes to do the next days workout. It gets the muscle recovery process started. When your working out, you are stressing and damaging the muscle tissue. The idea is to inflict said stress so that the muscle will be forced to recover, rebuild and become stronger. Eating right after a workout fuels the entire process and provides the body with what it needs so that you can do it all again the next day.

Personally, and this is me, I would never workout without eating right afterwards.

 

[kathryn]

It's ideal to have something with a 4-to-1 carbs to protein ratio (NOT just protein) right after working out, to help the body replenish glycogen (with the carbs) and start on the way to repair.

If you were to workout earlier, then following this "right after working out" boost (preferably in an easily digestible form, like liquid or pudding), about an hour later with a meal containing more protein.

 

[amybajamy]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I had no idea that was important. I guess I will start eating after working out.
Thanks again,
Amy

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

I think that is wise! Just make sure it is nutritious. Ask yourself "What does my body need to repair properly?" Get some (healthy) carbs and protein. Since it will be so late at night, I'd stear clear of the simple carbs like fruit...too much sugar for bed time.

 

[SRP]

Interesting. If it's time for a regular meal, I eat after a workout. That's typcal during the week. But on weekends or days off, it may be hours before I bother, depending on what's going on. Hey, I won't pass up a good excuse to eat (healthy, of course!). Thanks for the info.