I always wondered about whether it’s better to eat before I work out or after. I’ve done both before, and lately I’ve eaten dinner, waited for an hour, then did my workout. Usually afterwards I do not really feel so hungry which is good, since I figured taking in more food meant consuming more calories.
Anyway today I worked out before I had my dinner, and I felt really hungry afterwards. As I ate I wondered if my work out was worth it because I just burned calories. I did some research and I found out that within the first 45 minutes after you exercise, there is a “metabolic window.” Enzymes that replenish muscle carbs are at their highest levels. Insulin is also at peak levels, which rebuilds protein stores. By consuming a mix of carbs and protein at this point will maintain muscle, replenish glycogen stores and reduce the amount of fat your body stores.
If you eat before working out its always best to eat something, especially if you’re a morning exerciser, since most likely the last time you ate was probably the night before since you’ve already burned a good amount of calories sleeping. It also makes sense to fuel up your body on an empty stomach, otherwise you’ll definitely have no energy and feel sluggish during the workout. You want to make the best out of your workout so make sure you have energy to do it! 
What are your thoughts? Do you eat before or after you work out? Let me know in the comments!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I eat constantly. If I don’t eat before a workout, then I won’t have the fuel and the energy to do the work that I want to get done. If I don’t eat afterwards, then I am robbing my muscles of the opportunity to recover, which means the workout was a waste of time.
Whenever possible, eat something as soon as you finish (preferably w/i 15 minutes) such as a banana, an apple, a protein bar; something that will keep your metabolism revved up. Then eat something a little larger within an hour or so.
yeah, i agree with the 1st poster. i usually eat something before a good workout, and then after also. It works for me.
Good post! I prefer to eat a little bit before the workout not to be starving during it, and also not to devour food after the workout.
Good post Sue. I always eat before and after my workout. I just make sure that I don’t over indulge in either the pre or post exercise meal.
You know, an idea might be to take in a quality carb that will give you sustainable energy for your entire work out so you to not get hungry, yet you do ot feel full. Something like cooked rice is excellent, try it. It’s a hassle to prepare, but if you use the 1 minute rice, store it in tuperware in your frig, heat about a cup before your work out, i think you will be good to go..Best of Luck
**after**
but no other reason than I workout at 5a.
if I did in afternoon Id most likely snack first!
I’ve always been told to avoid eating 2 hours before exercising, and avoid drinking 30 min before exercising to avoid those painful side cramps. Then once your exercising drink small amounts of water to stay hydrated. I drink as much as I want after a good work out, but avoid eating for 20min to let my metabolism burn as many calories as it can.
Nice post. I eat an hour before the workout (something small yet energizing) and eat quite a bit after the workout.
http://burnfatnbuildmuscle.blogspot.com
It’s okay to eat something light before a workout if you are hungry. You don’t want to eat too much because your blood will automatically be shunted away from your digestive system when you start exercising. This means that the digestion process is significantly slowed. With this and too much food, you could vomit. After a workout is the best time to eat, even if it is something light. This is when your body needs to refuel the muscles. Eating after a workout will help restore muscle energy leading to a quicker recovery. Good luck!
You should have a little food before your workout and eat sufficiently after your workout.
I always eat a little bit before I work out. Going into a workout feeling hungry or low on energy just takes away from the quality of the workout itself. A piece or two of fruit is usually all it takes.