Eating pre and post workout: combined thread

[Da-RiSiN-sMoKe]

Do you guys ever have pre or post workout snacks?

If so, what is it?

I have a regular GNC protein shake (just protein and chocolate, nothing added like N2O) and a banana.

What is better, pre or post?

Are there times where you don't need a snack?

[Jay Bell]

The flesh from dead animals!

[jwinch2]

What is better, pre or post?

Both, just be careful not to eat too close to the actual time of training or any type of physical activity. It is probably best to stay around one hour or so ahead. Any closer and you will actually cause more harm than good as your blood sugar will see a significant drop following eating. Trying to perform during this time will lead to you bonking much earlier than you otherwise would have. Once you start training, it is also a smart idea to take periodic bites of a snack to keep your glucose levels up. That way you can minimize protein damage and prevent using muscle for fuel. Immediately after any strenuous exercise it is a good idea to get a few hundred calories of a combination of carbs and protein to assist in recovery and prevent going into a negative nitrogen balance.

Before, during, and after. They are all good, providing you do it right.

[Cliff Hargrave]

[TaunT]

Funny you should mention, I had a snickers after my weight session today. An jwinch's advice is dead on, though i personally can't eat during, I don't know why but I will puke whatever it is, right back up (assuming I'm running).

[GrampaMoses]

I agree with not eating anything right before working out. But I never workout first thing in the morning without having at least eaten something small like a bowl of oatmeal or some waffles (again, waiting an hour or so afterwards). Something with carbs, as I mentioned the oatmeal and waffles, is good energy, but directly after a workout I get the most instant gratification with fresh fruit and water. Apples, bananas, strawberries, mango, pears, basically I stock up on whatever is in season at the time.

But then again, I have no idea what your body wants, only what mine wants. The key is to pay attention to what your body craves, how it feels directly after eating it, and how you feel before the next meal. Keep yourself aware of how your body moves and feels, you'll quickly learn what's good for it.

[Jaclyn]

I usually crave fruit juice or iced tea right after. Something sweet, cold and light to drink. I don't usually feel like eating.

[Rasputin]

Today I cooked up a nice dish of ground pork, green beans, and cheese. I ate half of it before I went to the gym, and the other half when I got home.

Mmmmm, fat and protein.

[Nina]

What do you normally eat before training and what after? When I train in the morning, I normally cannot eat much, but then I get hungry after half an hour and I am thursty all the time, at least if I am tired, and that`s always the case. I also tried to eat something in between, like a banana, but I cannot eat it, also I would like. Afterwards in contrast I can do everything, maybe because I know that it is OK...So any good recipees for the time before training?

[TonyU]

jwinch and others can better answer some of your questions but my understanding is that by the time you feel thirst your body is dehydrated.
As far as meals everyone is different. My metabolism is so fast I can eat prior to and right after a workout. Actually right now I'm eating about four meals a day, plus snacks.

[Nina]

When I stand up, I normally drink about 1 liter water, just to get my my body work, and to wash out my blood, but it doesn`t change anything, sometimes I have the impression that it makes me feel more dehydrated, the more water I drink...

[Rasputin]

I am toying with Intermittent Fasting. Right now I eat Lunch and Dinner, with no snacks in between. It results in about 18 hours between Dinner and next day's lunch. I also adhere to <30g of carbohydrate and >150g of protein each day.

Last meal is 5:00 to 5:30pm. I hit the weightroom at 6:30pm. I do jujutsu from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

Hunger levels are small and manageable. Energy levels are high to very high. No ill effects as of yet. Weight is still dropping.

[Nick L.]

When I stand up, I normally drink about 1 liter water, just to get my my body work, and to wash out my blood, but it doesn`t change anything, sometimes I have the impression that it makes me feel more dehydrated, the more water I drink...

Honestly you should be drinking about 3 liters of water per day, with that being said you will have to drink that amount per day for at least three days before your body is hydrated. If you are drinking water only when you are thirsty from a workout, you are too late. Do you take vitamins?

[jwinch2]

This topic is one that has been discussed recently. The two threads have been merged to avoid confusion and repeat discussion.

[Nina]

Honestly you should be drinking about 3 liters of water per day, with that being said you will have to drink that amount per day for at least three days before your body is hydrated. If you are drinking water only when you are thirsty from a workout, you are too late. Do you take vitamins?

I drink about 5 liters water per day, but mostly 1 liter at once.

This topic is one that has been discussed recently. The two threads have been merged to avoid confusion and repeat discussion.

Oh, sorry...

[jwinch2]

I drink about 5 liters water per day, but mostly 1 liter at once.



Oh, sorry...

No problem at all Nina. Just try mixing in a search next time. Thanks!

[Nyuck3x]

Digestion requires lots of blood and energy so eating too close to your work out will not be optimum. Also, as part of the "fight or flight response" you will vomit, p*ss or sh*t to lighten your load. This is where the terms sh*t his/her pants or p*ssed his/her pants comes from. This is natural. Try not to work against nature.